One day after he was a full participant in practice for the first time since suffering a right calf injury, Alex Smith was sore Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. There is now less optimism about Smith’s chances of playing Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Smith still has a chance to play. He is officially listed as questionable for the game. Washington will check on him in the morning and he is likely to be a game-time decision.
If Smith is unable to play, Dwayne Haskins will start for the second straight game. He started last week against the Seattle Seahawks — a 20-15 loss — as the injury forced Smith to miss the game.
Washington elevated undrafted rookie Steven Montez from the practice squad on Saturday as depth insurance in case Smith can’t go. Along with Taylor Heinicke, who the team signed last week from the practice squad, Washington will have four quarterbacks available against the Panthers.
Washington is expected to dress three quarterbacks regardless with one inactive. The question now remains will Smith start under center or will it be Haskins while Smith is sidelined?
Whomever starts at quarterback will be without their top target, as star wide receiver Terry McLaurin reportedly won’t play due to an ankle injury.
