Washington QB Alex Smith cleared for tag team football activity

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Washington football quarterback Alex Smith has been cleared to play football and has been disabled on the physically incompetent list, the team announced on Sunday, ending a remarkable recovery from a leg injury that almost cost him his life.

Smith is now in line to be on the field when Washington starts working at training camp on Tuesday.

The team announced the move of the roster on Sunday morning.

Smith’s wife Elizabeth posted a video on Instagram on Saturday night of Smith’s family spraying him with champagne. She wrote: “Hard work pays off! There is much to celebrate in the Smith House tonight.

Smith, 36, broke his tibia and fibula on his right leg during a November 2018 game against Houston. Due to an infection, Smith had to undergo 17 surgeries, and doctors were not only worried about the possibility of his leg being amputated, but also feared for his life. But Smith did promise to return, and as team officials acknowledged the enormous difficulties he was facing, they always backed up with a comment: “If anyone can do it, Alex can.”

Smith was featured in an ESPN documentary detailing his trip. There was still extreme doubt over his ability to return, with one member of the organization saying there had not been much discussion about his being on the list. Coach Ron Rivera would include him in the quarterbacks discussion, but privately, the quarterback battle discussion focused on Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen.

But on July 24, before training camp began, Smith told ESPN’s Stephania Bell that he had been cleared by her personal medics for full activity; one of its doctors is also the Washington team’s chief medical officer, Robin West. But Washington staff wanted to know more before releasing him for football. Smith worked on the side with coaches while the other quarterbacks performed drills on the field. Rivera said he was pleasantly surprised by Smith’s appearance while doing agility work and other drills.

Washington’s main concern has been Smith’s ability to protect himself. His mobility had been a key part of his game in the past, and the team managers wanted to make sure he could still move well enough in the pocket to avoid the pressure.

Another source said Smith had a great week last week, which got him off the PUP list.

Rivera has also stated on several occasions that if Smith is activated, he will be included in the quarterback competition.

Washington is not the same team as quarterback Smith in 2018. Then it was a more veteran team led by coach Jay Gruden. Although Smith had modest stats – 10 touchdowns and an 85.7 passer rating – and struggled to control the offense, Washington was 6-3 when he was injured. His teammates credited his leadership and his ability to get out of trouble – he has only had five interceptions – as a key reason for this success. At the end of the season, several players lamented the loss of his leadership.

In 13 years, Smith started 161 games and threw 193 touchdowns and 101 interceptions. The No.1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft spent seven seasons with San Francisco before being traded to Kansas City.

The Chiefs sent him to Washington during the 2018 offseason, opening the door for Patrick Mahomes to start. Mahomes credited Smith for providing a plan on how to prepare to play quarterback in the NFL. Smith also became a mentor for Haskins last season. But even when discussing his impact on Haskins, Smith said he could have a bigger impact if he actually prepares to play and not just give advice.

With Smith entering quarterback competition, Washington faces the decision to look to youth with Haskins – or even Allen – or veteran leadership with Smith. Washington drafted Haskins with the 15th overall pick in 2019. The organization has been pleased with this offseason – both in terms of the formatting and the leadership he’s shown.



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