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More troubling news about Alex Smith’s fractured leg was revealed on Sunday. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it’s not certain that the Redskins’ quarterback ever returns to the field, but the team remains optimistic.
Smith suffered the devastating compound fracture last Sunday during a third quarter sack against the Houston Texans. Smith was diagnosed a broken fibula and tibia on the play and had to undergo emergency surgery to repair the breaks. Details later emerged that Smith endured a spiral fracture of the bones.
The Redskins still believe Smith is expected to be out six-to-eight months following the successful surgery, as he was fortunate not to suffer any ligament damages. However, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported on Thanksgiving, Smith could be out eight-to-ten months and miss the start of the 2019 season at least.
The uncertainty of Smith’s comeback will definitely place a dark cloud over the Redskins’ quarterback position. Colt McCoy has been pegged to serve as the starter for the remainder of the season in place of Smith.
McCoy’s first start was in Washington’s 31-23 loss to Dallas on Thursday in which McCoy threw three interceptions. How well he performs the final five games of the season will presumably determine how the Redskins go about the position this off-season.
Smith, 34, signed a four-year extension worth $94 million with a guarantee of $71 million after being traded to Washington in January for Kendall Fuller and a third-round draft pick from Kansas City. With the latest report from Schefter, him playing out the maturation of the contract is no lock.
