Alex Smith took another step forward in his incredible comeback attempt. The Washington Football Team quarterback faced live pass rush for the first time since his severe leg injury.
Smith participated in three reps during 9-on-9 drills with two defensive linemen on each play, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
There were no offensive tackles or defensive ends, but Smith faced defensive tackle pressure. While the defense isn’t allowed to touch any of the quarterbacks, Smith was forced to move around in the pocket.
Smith was 1-of-3 passing as detailed by Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Other quarterbacks participated in 9-on-9 drills, but the concept appeared to be geared towards the situation for Smith. Following practice, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said he got the idea from Norv Turner while the two were together in San Diego.
Smith’s foot movement in and outside the pocket is crucial to his potential return on the field. Thursday provided an opportunity for him to show Washington’s coaching staff he can move naturally with his surgically-repaired leg that required 17 surgeries.
I’ve been able to process everything I’ve seen so far with Alex Smith but seeing him evade actual rush was just wild to me. I’m kinda shocked. He looked fluid. Footwork was fine. Of course he wasn’t gonna get hit but anything could have happened with guys falling at his feet.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 20, 2020
He has participated in 7-on-7 drills. But, he needs to prove he can protect himself to Rivera and the coaching staff. It’s rather unique and smart to ease him into live rushes with 9-on-9 before going into the full-fledged 11-on-11.
Every step conquered has been astonishing, considering the journey Smith has faced since suffering a compound leg fracture in November 2018. While he still faces more hurdles, Thursday was another milestone accomplished.
