Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera had no updates about Alex Smith and his strained right calf. However, if the veteran quarterback is unable to play next week against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivera is confident Dwayne Haskins will be ready to play to step in as the starter.
Rivera added if Smith is down, Haskins will get all the first team practice reps in preparation for the Seahawks.
Smith exited Sunday’s 23-15 win over the San Francisco 49ers late in the second quarter with the calf injury. It’s the same leg that was surgically repaired in 2018. Smith did not return to the game and Dwayne Haskins replaced him under center.
Haskins was 7-of-12 for 51 yards in relief of Smith in his first game since being benched following a Week 4 loss. He made a couple of good throws and led Washington to a crucial field goal on the opening drive in the third quarter. However, he had a couple of bad throws as well. He missed badly on a third-and-goal throw that could have been a touchdown. He also missed high on a third down pass in the fourth quarter to Terry McLaurin that was nearly intercepted.
Washington sits in first place of the NFC East with a 6-7 record. They’ve won four straight following Sunday’s win and control their destiny to the division title with three games remaining on the season.
Haskins was benched after starting four games in favor of Kyle Allen. He was inactive for five games before Allen suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Since, Haskins has backed up Smith the last five games.
Meanwhile Smith has stabilized Washington’s quarterback position since taking over in Week 10. His 4-1 record as a starter is evidence in him doing such. Surely, Washington would prefer Smith under center against Seattle. However, if he is unable to play, Rivera believes Haskins will be ready.
