Alex Smith says he wants to continue his NFL career after major leg injury

Redskins QB Alex Smith suffered a devastating injury vs the Texans in Week 11 last season. He broke his leg and was rushed from the stadium for emergency surgery, then dealt with multiple infections and surgeries, and an extended hospital stay. Smith is expected to miss the entire 2019 season, but is hopeful to make a return to the field.

Fox 5 DC anchor Angie Goff got the first post-injury interview with Alex Smith in an awkward mall setting. In between daytime talk banter, Smith revealed a few things about his recovery, and his desire to play football again.

Smith says he is playing golf again and walking without crutches. He hopes to get the external fixator on his leg removed in 4-6 weeks, which will put him at 7-7 ¹⁄₂ months wearing the device. Smith said he has been able to drive, work out, and get off crutches during the last 3 months. He said the first 4 months of his recovery were especially hard physically and mentally, and he cited being in a wheelchair and his loss of independence.

Smith also talked about the next steps after the external fixator is removed. He can begin jogging and learning how to run again. The plan is to play football again if and when he gets to that point. He has already started throwing a football. Smith said one of the biggest mental obstacles is regaining trust in his leg.

The Redskins traded for Case Keenum and drafted Dwayne Haskins in the first round this year, as they looked to protect to the future and the present for the franchise. Smith is not playing this year, and his future is unclear, but he could still be a valuable resource to a young QB like Haskins.