Reports: QB Alex Smith Expected To Start In Washington Football Team’s Regular Season Finale

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Washington Football Team expects former Utah Utes quarterback Alex Smith to start in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple reports.

Washington is scheduled to finish the 2020 regular season on the road against the Eagles on Sunday, January 3.

Smith hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain in Week 14.

Washington has dropped two consecutive games with Smith inactive and unable to play.

Washington is planning to start QB Alex Smith on Sunday night vs the #Eagles, sources say. He came out of the practice week with his calf feeling fine and should be good to go for the win-and-in game. The team will still check him Sunday morning to be sure.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2021

After starting the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 13, Smith exited the game and did not play in the second half after suffering a leg injury.

Alex Smith, Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson are questionable for Week 17. https://t.co/BtHg6DIbDG

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) January 1, 2021

Alex Smith’s Injury History

In November 2018, Smith suffered a brutal season-ending injury to his right leg, the same leg injured against the Niners.

The injury resulted in more than a dozen surgeries and an infection that jeopardized not only his limb but his life.

Smith’s comeback reached another level this season as he made Washington’s active roster to begin the season.

Alex Smith in 2020

On October 11, Washington quarterback Kyle Allen went out of a game due to an injury, and Smith was inserted into the game. It was his first time playing in an NFL game in two seasons.

A couple of weeks later, Allen suffered a season-ending injury.

Washingon head coach Ron Rivera named Smith the team’s starting quarterback.

Alex Smith got his first win since suffering his devastating leg injury two years ago.

Forever inspiring 👏 pic.twitter.com/soFXlbZimK

— ESPN (@espn) November 22, 2020

Smith’s play helped Washington to a 4-1 record in the games he started, including four straight victories.

From an injury that nearly ended his career to beating the undefeated Steelers.

What a journey for Alex Smith 👏 (h/t @JJWatt) pic.twitter.com/JIjcHXOC7o

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2020

This season, Smith has thrown for 1,420 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 66.4 percent completion rate.

The team currently owns a 6-9 record this season and sits in first place in the NFC East.

Washington’s game against Philadelphia will kick-off on Sunday, January 2 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on KSL TV.