Alex Smith has officially been named to the Washington Football Team’s 53-man roster. Smith will not be placed on injured reserve. Being added to the active roster is a remarkable feat and one that was unthinkable after he suffered a catastrophic leg injury in November 2018.
It’s an opportunity Smith earned by showing Washington’s medical and coaching staffs he was fully capable of returning to the field during training camp. With Washington making decisions on their roster for 2020 season, Smith made a “very passionate” plea to be included.
According to Washington head coach Ron Rivera, Smith sat down with him, quarterback coach Ken Zampese and offensive coordinator Scott Turner, pleading his case for the opportunity to play this season.
Rivera added Smith has been cleared for contact although he has not taken a hit. The quarterback “handled” all 11-on-11 drills the last two days with the second-team and practice squad offenses.
Over the course of 20 months, Smith worked his way back to the practice field after enduring 17 surgeries on his broken leg. The enormous number of surgeries were required to repair his compound fracture and combat a series of bacterial infections that ravaged through his leg.
He was cleared for football activities just ahead of training camp. Then, he gradually progressed from individual work to ultimately 11-on-11 drills. Smith will join Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen as Washington will carry three quarterbacks.
Haskins was named the starting quarterback heading into Washington’s Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s unclear where Smith slots behind Haskins on the depth chart.
When asked about Smith playing, Rivera answered “If the opportunity comes down the line, who knows.”
