Redskins RB Chris Thompson Doubts Alex Smith Will Play in 2019

Despite the multiple grim reports about the recovery of Alex Smith from his major leg injury, the Washington Redskins have officially remained optimistic about him returning to the field. However, reports have contradicted what’s been said officially, as the Redskins are said to be operating with the thought of Smith not playing in 2019.

While appearing at the Redskins Charitable Foundation event at FedEx Field Tuesday, running back Chris Thompson gave insight of Washington’s thinking about Smith playing next season.

“We know and understand that it’s probably not going to happen that we have him this year,” Thompson told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.

Smith suffered a compound fracture while being sacked during a Week 11 game against the Houston Texans in November. He fractured both his fibula and tibia, and required emergency surgery. Unfortunately, an infection has reportedly led to multiple additional surgeries which left him in the hospital for roughly one month.

Smith made his first public appearance since the injury and surgeries, wearing an external device around his broken leg while attending a Washington Wizards’ game. The scene brought on further speculation and doubt of his playing future.

Smith faces a long road to recovery, however, Thompson says he is encouraged Smith will do whatever it takes to return to the field, if “he wants to put that workload on his leg.”

Thompson added that quarterback Colt McCoy was “all healthy now.”

McCoy suffered a fractured fibula in his second start after Smith’s injury effectively ending his season as well.

With the Redskins’ salary cap issues and the return of Smith in doubt for 2019, McCoy seems to be in good shape to be the starting quarterback for the Redskins going into next season.