Quarterback Alex Smith is expected to be cleared by Washington Football Team doctors and subsequently placed on their physically unable to perform list, head coach Ron Rivera told Ben Standig of the Athletic.
Last week Smith was cleared by his doctors to return to full football activity. Monday, he reported to Washington to undergo a physical with team doctors. With a clearance from the team, Smith will get the opportunity to work on the side during training camp by being placed on the PUP list. The team’s training staff will get to evaluate his progression.
This is another huge step Smith has overcome in his long road to recovery and returning to playing football. It’s been 20 months since Smith suffered a devastating leg injury, as he broke his tibia and fibula in a compound and spiral fracture. He endured 17 surgeries after developing a series of bacterial infections and nearly having his injured leg amputated.
Despite all he endured, Smith has maintained his desire to return to the football field. Monday provided another win for him.
Washington acquired in a 2018 trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith helped lead Washington to a 4-2 start and first place in the NFC East in 2018 before his injury.
The team drafted Dwayne Haskins last year in the first round, as it appeared Smith’s injury was career-threatening. This off-season, Rivera traded for Kyle Allen, who he coached two seasons while in Carolina.
Since being hired in January, Rivera has mentioned not forgetting about factoring Smith into the quarterback equation. However, Rivera has maintained the importance of handing Haskins the keys to Washington’s offense for his long-term development.
Smith’s inclusion into the quarterback room could provide much-needed mentoring to Washington’s young quarterbacks. If he progresses more, how he factors into playing time would be one of the biggest questions surrounding the Washington Football Team’s season.
