Alex Smith plays for first time since 17 surgeries, receives standing ovation
Oct 11, 2020, 11:46 AM
Washington Football Team's Alex Smith drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Alex Smith’s remarkable comeback is complete.
Smith took the field for Washington after starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured an arm on a hit by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This marks Smith’s first NFL game action in 693 days, as he broke his right tibia and fibula in gruesome fashion on this field 23 months ago.
The now 36-year-old quarterback completed a 6-yard screen pass to J.D. McKissic on his first snap since Nov. 18, 2018. Smith was cleared to practice in August and became the backup when coach Ron Rivera benched Dwayne Haskins and demoted the 2019 first-round pick to third on the depth chart.
Smith’s career was in jeopardy when he was injured two seasons ago and underwent 17 surgeries. He also survived a life-threatening infection and was in the hospital for months.
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Alex Smith’s family giving him a standing ovation as he takes the field for the first time is nearly two years is everything 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/HYecOJBloN
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 11, 2020
Rivera said this week he was confident putting Smith in a game because doctors gave the green light. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner said Smith had not been hit in practice to prepare him.
His first contact against the Rams was a sack by Aaron Donald. Smith got up and jogged off the field
Smith was 1 of 2 for 6 yards. Allen is questionable to return.
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