By Jordan Long
Washington quarterback Alex Smith is cleared for full football activity. It is expected he will start camp on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform). He could have a chance to make the roster after that.
Smith hasn’t played a down of football since November 9th in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. He suffered a broken tibia and fibula. CBSsports.com stated Smith had 17 surgeries to remove tissue resulting from an infection to his fractured bones.
Before his injury, Smith was a respectable starting quarterback. He passed for 34,068 yards, 193 touchdowns, and 101 interceptions. 2018 was his only season in Washington. He led them to a 6-4 start with 2,180 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Washington ended 2018 at 7-9.
Smith might have his chance to play once again. He has to pass the football part of his physical. According to MSN.com, Head Coach Ron Rivera said, “If that happens, I think this is a guy that becomes part of our equation. That’s the truth of the matter.”
Smith must prove he can play at a high level even if he passes the physical. He can be in the mix to be the starter or at worse the backup position. The leader to be the starter is Dwayne Haskins. After that the depth includes Kyle Allen and rookie Steven Montez. It is possible Smith could outplay both Allen and Montez because of his experience in the NFL.
Smith may not make the roster. Smith has 2 more years left on his deal but there is an out after this season. This would cost Washington only $10.8 million next year in cap space. Washington could cut him after camp, a large cap space to give up at $21.4 million. The other option is to try to trade Smith. There could be a franchise needing a backup veteran quarterback.
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