The Alex Smith comeback story started the next chapter today, and it's a pretty big one. The Washington Football Team has officially activated him from the PUP list and he is cleared for all football activities. John Keim reports that the team will start with a gradual reintroduction to see what he can handle. The fact that he is walking is amazing; that he is now on the team's active roster is incredible.
Alex Smith broke his tibia and fibula on November 18, 2018. It was a spiral fracture that broke through the skin, causing him to be immediately rushed to the hospital for surgery. Then, infection set in, and it was so bad that doctors were discussing amputation and saving his life from sepsis. Smith had 17 surgeries, spent a month in the hospital, 3 months in a wheelchair, and then 8 months in an external fixator. Now he is going to be competing for the QB job for an NFL team.
Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera has been asked about Alex Smith multiple times since being hired. His answers have been pretty consistent: if he is healthy, he will be a part of the QB competition. Dwayne Haskins Jr. is the starting QB, and has been praised all offseason for his his physical and mental improvements. Rivera and teammates have gone out of their way to note the changes he made to his body and the level of leadership he has shown in his 2nd year. Alex Smith has been a mentor to him since Haskins entered the league. He will likely maintain that role, while also pushing him further during competition.
— Elizabeth Smith (@lizbsmith11) August 16, 2020
Couple points: He wasn't much of a topic at the facility before players started returning. This... was unexpected. Also: He had an impact on Haskins in '19 by giving advice. His impact can be far greater IF on the roster & others see how he preps, takes notes in meetings etc. https://t.co/qtuzPTrYM9
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 16, 2020
The next step in the comeback...
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 16, 2020
Alex Smith has been activated off the PUP list. pic.twitter.com/keDJK51PV7
Back to work pic.twitter.com/Oc9S22k8yh
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 16, 2020
Alex Smith: Cleared to resume football activities for the first time since 2018. @washingtonNFL pic.twitter.com/vBW2suuypW
— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2020
Today was a good day pic.twitter.com/2MD4C4UJpI
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 16, 2020