Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a calf injury. Dwayne Haskins will start in Smith’s place, the team announced Friday.
Smith exited last week’s win against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter with a right calf injury. Despite being on the same leg, Smith assures the calf injury is not related to compound fracture he suffered in 2018 that required 17 surgeries to repair.
After missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Smith attempted to do some work in Friday’s practice, but was unable to participate.
With Smith out, Haskins will get his first start at quarterback since being benched ahead of Week 5. Haskins started the first four games of the season. However, after struggling and failing to produce wins, he was demoted from starter to third-string.
Haskins was inactive for the next four games but was promoted to backup after Kyle Allen suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9.
Washington was 5-4 since Haskins’ demotion, including 4-1 since Week 10 when Smith was named the starter.
In relief of Smith last week against the 49ers, Haskins was 7-of-12 passing for 51 yards. He made a couple of crucial throws to lead Washington to a field goal on the opening drive of the third quarter. However, he did have some inaccurate throws, not including a key dropped pass on a third down.
Nonetheless, Haskins was able to maintain Washington’s lead. Following the game, a “grateful” Haskins became emotional reflecting on his first game action since his benching. Now, he will get the opportunity to start under center once again this season.
Sunday, Washington (6-7) will be seeking its fifth straight win against Seattle (9-4).
