Through all the off-the-field controversy surrounding Dwayne Haskins, another headline surrounding Washington’s quarterback room is the health of Alex Smith. Smith missed last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks with a right calf strain, that forced Haskins to start under center.
With Washington’s playoff hopes on the line Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Smith is doing all he can to get back on the field. The veteran QB “absolutely” plans on playing this week.
Smith was limited in Wednesday’s practice while Haskins took majority of the first-team reps. How much he progresses throughout the practice week will go a long way into him playing on Sunday. However, his availability doesn’t necessarily hinge entirely on him practicing.
Last week, head coach Ron Rivera stated he was comfortable with Smith playing without practicing.
If Washington wins and the New York Giants lose to the Baltimore Ravens, Washington clinches their first NFC East division title since 2015. A loss and a Giants win slides Washington to second place going into the final week of the regular season.
Washington is hopeful Alex Smith can play. He is determined to play. If he cannot, Haskins will once again be the starting quarterback despite the tumultuous week following his maskless party incident.
