Alex Smith Named Starting Quarterback For Washington Football Team’s Next Game

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Washington Football team head coach Ron Rivera named former Utah quarterback Alex Smith the team’s starting quarterback for Week 10.

During Washington’s Week 9 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, November 8, starter Kyle Allen suffered a dislocated ankle and was carted off the field.

Following Allen’s injury, Smith was inserted into the game and led Washington’s offense throughout the rest of a 23-20 loss to New York.

“I was very pleased with [Smith’s performance],” Rivera said. “It was exciting to watch him get out there and do what he did. Unfortunately, with the interceptions, he tried to make things happen and unfortunately bad things happened.”

Head Coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media after the game.

Presented by @FinchTurf pic.twitter.com/V0SqPDwnbe

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) November 8, 2020

“A ton of emotions going on for me right then. I knew Kyle was down and knew it was serious once he stayed down. You get ready to roll and all of a sudden you see them bringing out an air cast and the cart. I know that routine well. I’m trying to lock it in, but feeling for Kyle,” Smith said after the game. “I’m enjoying every single day and I’ve continued to progress and get better. I’m thankful for that. It’s another step. I’m incredibly bummed for Kyle… For me, I’m going full steam ahead. I’m not thinking about any other stuff. I’m going to run with this opportunity.”

Smith finished the game 24/32 for 325 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

The touchdown was his first since suffering a leg injury in 2018.

Former @Utah_Football QB Alex Smith took another step in his comeback today when he tossed a 68-yard touchdown pass. 🙌

Today has been a good day. ❤️ #LocalsInTheNFL #YACPodcast #GoUtes https://t.co/5rMFnDAmws

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 8, 2020

“It always feels good to throw a touchdown and it had been a really long time. I didn’t do much on that one; Terry helped me out and made an amazing play.” Smith said. “It always feels good to throw a touchdown and it had been a really long time,” Smith said. “I didn’t do much on that one; Terry helped me out and made an amazing play.”

Alex Smith speaks with the media after the game. @USAA | #WashingtonFootball pic.twitter.com/rfJXQFL1rx

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) November 8, 2020

With the loss, Smith and Washington fell to 2-6 on the season.

Washington’s next game is against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, November 15 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on FOX.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).