Washington is planning to start quarterback Alex Smith Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles in their win-and-in game, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith practiced through the week taking limited first-team reps. His calf is “feeling fine.”
Still, the onus is on how his calf feels Sunday morning prior to the game.
Smith has missed the last two games since suffering the injury in Week 14. Washington lost both games with recently-released Dwayne Haskins starting in his place. Washington has hung on to first place of the NFC East despite the losses and their 6-9 record.
Washington enters Sunday’s game needing a win to clinch the division title. However, a loss eliminates them from postseason contention.
Smith appears on track to be under center for Washington in the pivotal game, barring a setback. If he is unable to play, Taylor Heinicke will start in his place. It would be Heinicke’s second NFL start. Thus, there is an importance to get back the more reliable Smith, who is 10-5 as a starter since being traded to Washington in 2018.
