The status of Alex Smith remains unclear for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The Washington Football Team quarterback was limited in practice Thursday and hopes to progress further Friday. However, it appears Dwayne Haskins is on track to start a second straight game despite a tumultuous week.
With Haskins taking all first-team snaps Thursday, Washington has tailored their offensive game plan around Haskins and his strengths, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
“We’re working him as if he’s going to start, and that’s how we have to approach it with him right now,” Rivera said Thursday, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “And again just make sure it’s in his mind in terms of his preparation, which is has been. He had a good day today.”
Smith worked off to the side and made “promising” progress, according to Rivera. But, his status may not be known until game day.
“He’s the only one that knows how he feels,” Rivera said of Smith, per Ben Standig of The Athletic.
Haskins started last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He got off to a disastrous start in the game, mimicking his poor play that got him benched after the first four games the season. However, he bounced back, down 20-3 and guided Washington to two fourth quarter-touchdowns to cut into the deficit. Ultimately, had a chance to win the game before falling short on the final drive.
His valiant effort was overshadowed by headlines of him attending a maskless party with strippers after the game. His “irresponsible and immature” actions resulted in him being fined and having his captaincy stripped. Still, Washington may need to turn to him with their playoff hopes on the line Sunday against Carolina.
Washington will clinch their first NFC East division title since 2015 with a win and a New York Giants’ loss this week. But a loss could slide Washington into second place, diminishing their certainty to make the postseason.
