Alex Smith’s incredible comeback story reached a new high on Sunday when he stepped into Washington’s game instead of Kyle Allen, but he could soon be heading back to the sidelines.
On Monday, Washington coach Ron Rivera told reporters Allen would remain the team’s starting quarterback when he was healthy enough to play. Allen ended Sunday’s game with an arm injury after receiving a tough hit from Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Rivera had to use Smith for the first time since sustaining a devastating IUD and compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg in November. 18, 2018.
“We had a good chat about it. I told him, ‘Hey, as long as you feel good’ – I know he was pretty sore, he’ll still be sore today – but as long as you are He feels good and we’re ready to go Wednesday to roll. He’s our starter, “Rivera said of Allen.
Think of it as a likely development. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that while Allen remains sore from the shot he fired at his non-throwing arm, he is expected to do well against the Giants in Week 6, aside from one setback.
Allen was relegated to the spectator for much of Sunday when Smith completed his first pass attempt, pausing briefly to run back to JD McKissic. The veteran was fired by Aaron Donald shortly after to end the ride, but it proved Smith could withstand the physicality of an NFL game.
Aside from the heartwarming sight of seeing Smith again in an NFL game less than two years after his gruesome injury and complications, the quarterback almost cost him his leg. He completed 9 of 17 passes for 37 yards and a pass rating of 58.7 in a rain-soaked affair. With the weather non-cooperative and with nowhere seemingly offensively going, it’s hard to blame Smith for his pedestrian performance. Washington’s offensive line, which allowed Smith to be fired six times, didn’t help much either.
“I spent some time with him in the locker room,” Rivera said of Smith. “He felt good. I was pleased, I was excited for him. He went out and had a good time. It would have been much better if we could have protected a little more. But I thought he handled it well. ” I thought he made some good decisions. He made quick decisions and got the ball out of his hands.
“It was tough. You play from behind and the other team knows, they’re changing their approach. That’s tough. I thought he handled it very well. We’ll see how he’s doing. He’ll be sore, but I bet it is. ” will be a good type of wound. “
With Washington sitting 4-1 but still very competitive in a terrible NFC East, Rivera must feel compelled to pick his best option on the position to stay in the divisional race. The coach’s decision to put Dwayne Haskins on the bench means he believes Allen is the option, which makes sense as to why he would prefer to come back to Allen when he’s healthy enough to play.
Right now, Smith’s comeback story represents his unlikely return to the field. We’ll see in the coming weeks and months if he gets another chance to continue his inspiring story.
