Alex Smith Throws For Nearly 400 Yards In First Start Since 2018 Season

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah Utes and current Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith threw for almost 400 yards is his first start since 2018.

After suffering a brutal season-ending leg injury in November 2018, Smith missed the entire 2019 season before seeing action in two games earlier this season.

On Sunday, November 15, Washington head coach Ron Rivera gave Smith the starting nod, his first of the 2020 campaign.

The Detroit Lions defeated Washinton 30-27 on a game-winning field goal as time expired.

First start in 728 days. #WashingtonFootball

📺: #WASvsDET on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/6yCTrUNGY8 pic.twitter.com/ZyewnpIvDV

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2020

Smith led Washington back from a 21-point deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter before falling as the clock hit zero.

Now or never. pic.twitter.com/4KSKCztAs5

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) November 15, 2020

The former Utah quarterback was 38/55 for 390 passing yards and had a rating of 89.2

Smith also had two carries for four yards.

He was sacked twice.

Alex Smith in his first start since his devastating leg injury: 38-for-55 for 390 yards and he brought Washington down from 21 points to tie the game at 27 late.

For the first time ever, Smith has thrown for 300+ yards in back-to-back games.

Even in defeat, a special day.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 15, 2020

It was the first time in Smith’s career that he threw for 300 yards or more in back-to-back games.

With the loss, Washington fell to 2-7 on the season.

Smith and Washington’s next game is against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 22 at 11 a.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on CBS.

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).