This week, the Washington Football Team benched second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins in favor of former Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen. However, Allen’s appointment as starting QB may be short-term, as Washington is hopeful veteran Alex Smith can take over as starter soon, according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora.
The expectation is that after a week or two more practice time and serving as the backup quarterback that Smith would be able to take over for Allen as starter. Coach Ron Rivera believes the team has a shot to win the weak NFC East and Smith played the best football of his career in 2017, his last full season.
Smith was promoted to the No. 2 quarterback, as Haskins was sent down from starter to third on the depth chart. Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Smith needs more practice reps, but he had “no trepidation” playing Smith if need be.
Rivera also admitted Allen would be evaluated on a game-by-game basis as starter. Each statement may tip the team’s plan of Smith eventually starting at quarterback.
Washington is 1-3 entering Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, but are just one-half game behind the 1-2-1 Philadelphia Eagles for first place in the struggling NFC East. Washington also beat the Eagles in Week 1. Rivera feels Washington has a chance to win the division to why he decided to bench Haskins, who needs more development on the field and as a leader.
If and when Smith steps on the field, it will be the first time since he suffered a catastrophic leg injury in a game on November 18, 2018. He went through 17 surgeries in the aftermath to repair a compound fracture in his leg and combat sepsis, a bacteria that threatened his life and amputation of his leg.
After sitting out the 2019 season and thoughts of his career being over, Smith made an incredible comeback to make the 53-man roster this year. Washington’s coaching staff and trainers have eased him in practice and Smith appears to be on the path to once again be Washington’s starting quarterback.
