ALEX SMITH NEWS

Iffy for Sunday Smith (calf) will be examined early Sunday, but "optimism is waning" for the quarterback to receive the starting nod ahead of Washington's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff versus the Panthers,...

Impact Smith took a questionable tag into the weekend after putting in a full practice Friday, but his strained right calf apparently still hasn't fully healed, leaving Washington concerned he won't be ready to play Week 16. In the event that Smith is inactive Sunday or limited to emergency backup duty, Dwayne Haskins would be in line to start at quarterback for the second week in a row.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to face Panthers Smith (calf) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post confirms Smith took the majority of first-team reps in practice Friday, increasing his participation after limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday. The veteran quarterback could still be a game-time decision ahead of a 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday, and he would likely be playing without top target Terry McLaurin (ankle), who is listed as doubtful. Dwayne Haskins will get another start under center if the team decides Smith isn't ready.

DECEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Another limited practice Smith (calf) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact After throwing with team trainers on the side Wednesday, Smith progressed to tossing passes to receivers during individual drills one day later. Despite the apparent increase in reps, Washington deemed him 'limited' for a second straight session. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera called the Football Team's quarterback situation "jumbled up," and he may wait until Sunday to make a decision between Smith and Dwayne Haskins -- who has taken the first-team reps this week -- for the start at QB, according to Julie Donaldson of Washington's official site. Sunday's game kicks off at 4:05 p.m. ET.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Increases activity Thursday Smith (calf) threw passes to receivers during individual drills Thursday, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith has progressed from merely throwing with the training staff Wednesday, when Washington listed him as a limited participant. Clearly, he's increasing his workload, but his activity level won't be known until the release of Thursday's injury report. Meanwhile, Dwayne Haskins continued to work with the first-team offense, and Adam Schefter of ESPN indicated that the younger signal-caller seems to be trending toward the start Sunday against the Panthers.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Gets 'limited' tag Smith (calf) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Impact During the portion of the session open to the media, Smith didn't take part in any drills, instead throwing on the side, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. In the end, Smith did enough to be termed a limited participant, but Dwayne Haskins still took the first-team reps. Haskins appears to be in the clear after social-media posts recently surfaced that revealed the quarterback broke COVID-19 protocols by visiting a nightclub. Even so, Washington seemingly prefers to go with Smith on Sunday against the Panthers, assuming he's healthy enough to play.

DECEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Throws on side field Wednesday Smith (calf) threw on the side at Wednesday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Considering his lack of activity on the field, Smith seems destined to be termed a non-participant Wednesday. His absence allowed Dwayne Haskins to work with the first-team offense, just days removed from violating COVID-19 protocols by visiting a nightclub. According to Jhabvala, Washington and the NFL worked out a plan for Haskins to practice and otherwise attend team meetings via Zoom this week. Smith is considered day-to-day with the hope he'll be able to return Sunday versus the Panthers, but Haskins so far is serving as the Football Team's No. 1 QB.

DECEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Team hopeful for Week 16 return Washington is viewing Smith (calf) as day-to-day and maintains optimism the quarterback can practice in some capacity this week and play Sunday against the Panthers, Tom Pelissero...

Impact After straining his right calf in the Week 14 win over the 49ers, Smith logged no practice participation last week before being ruled out ahead of Washington's loss to the Seahawks. Dwayne Haskins started in Smith's stead, throwing two interceptions while failing to clear 300 passing yards despite 55 attempts. On the heels of Haskins' unimpressive showing, the playoff-hopeful Football Team would ideally have Smith back for a critical Week 16 matchup with the Panthers, especially after Haskins violated the NFL's COVID-19 protocols when he was spotted at a nightclub without a mask following Sunday's game. Per Pelissero, Washington has no plans to release Haskins, but since he could face a fine or suspension as a result of the incident, Smith's status takes on added importance. After Smith and Haskins, Taylor Hoenicke and Steven Montez are the next men up at quarterback.

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play this week Smith (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Seattle, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Smith was removed from last week's win over the 49ers with the strained right calf and didn't take part in practices this week. Dwayne Haskins will step in to make his fifth start of the season, while Steven Montez or Taylor Heinicke will be called up from the practice squad to serve as the backup quarterback.

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Watching Haskins at practice Smith (calf) is merely observing the media-access portion of Friday's practice, while Dwayne Haskins is taking all the reps at quarterback, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

Impact An earlier report suggested Smith would attempt to practice, but he looks set to go down as a non-participant for he third day in a row. Head coach Ron Rivera previously said Smith could play in Sunday's game against the Seahawks even if he misses the entire week of practice, so Washington's quarterback situation won't necessarily be resolved by the end of Friday's session.

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Could practice Friday Smith (calf) will attempt to practice in some capacity Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact The 36-year-old didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but Washington has held out hope he'll still be able to play through the right calf strain this weekend. Practice participation isn't a prerequisite for Smith to start Sunday against the Seahawks, but it would certainly bring some stability to his outlook if he's able to take the field Friday. Dwayne Haskins is ready to step in for Washington should Smith be inactive Sunday.

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Not practicing Thursday Smith (calf) won't take part in practice Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Impact On Wednesday, coach Ron Rivera told Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site that Smith is a candidate to start Sunday against the Seahawks, even if he's unable to get any on-field reps this week. So far, that's been the case for Smith, but he is expected to increase his conditioning Thursday to see how his strained right calf holds up. In the meantime, Dwayne Haskins will continue to work with the first-team offense.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Could start without practicing Coach Ron Rivera said Smith (calf) could start Sunday's game against the Seahawks even if he doesn't practice this week, Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site reports.

Impact Smith was an observer at Wednesday's practice while Dwayne Haskins took all the first-team reps. The veteran's chances to play Sunday would certainly increase if he practices Thursday and/or Friday, but that apparently isn't a prerequisite for him potentially playing through a right calf strain this weekend.

DECEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sits out individual drills Smith (calf) didn't participate in individual drills Wednesday, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Impact Smith was forced out of Washington's Week 14 win against the 49ers near the end of the second quarter and didn't return. Coach Ron Rivera later said Smith was dealing with tightness and soreness in his right leg, which was later clarified to be a calf strain. Considering his lack of activity so far, Smith seems destined to go down as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report. In Smith's place, Dwayne Haskins handled first-team reps.

DECEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Decent chance to play Sunday Washington is "optimistic" Smith (calf) will suit up Sunday against the Seahawks, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Impact Smith is tending to a calf strain, which forced him from Week 14 action just before halftime. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera told Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site that Smith experienced tightness and muscle soreness when he attempted to push off his right leg, but he was available in the event something befell backup Dwayne Haskins. Washington will limit Smith's practice reps this week with the hope that he'll be able to go Sunday.

DECEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Injury not major Coach Ron Rivera said after Sunday's win over San Francisco that Smith (calf) was removed from the game for precautionary reasons due to muscle soreness, and the quarterback was av...

Impact X-rays on Smith's leg didn't reveal any damage besides the tightness and muscle soreness, so the veteran will likely be available to start Washington's Week 15 matchup against Seattle barring any setbacks in practice this week. Haskins struggled after Smith's departure as Washington leaned on its defense and running game to secure the win, so Smith should remain the starter when healthy for a team that now sits alone atop the NFC East standings.

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with leg injury Smith left Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a leg injury, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact As the contest drew close to halftime, Smith was seen with a heating pad on his lower right leg, which is the same one that experienced a gruesome injury back in 2018. He eventually went to the locker room and was deemed questionable to return. If Smith is unable to do so, Dwayne Haskins will lead Washington's offense.

DECEMBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team to surprise win Smith completed 31 of 46 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 23-17 win over the Steelers.

Impact Smith led Washington to victory over the previously unbeaten Steelers without much help from top tailback Antonio Gibson or top wideout Terry McLaurin. While Gibson exited in the first quarter with a knee injury, McLaurin caught just two passes for 14 yards. Still, Smith got three of his options to at least 70 yards, with tight end Logan Thomas leading the way. With no turnovers either, it was a steady showing that saw Smith surprise the Steelers, giving him decent momentum ahead of Week 14's game against his former team, the 49ers.

DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Quiet performance in big win Smith completed 19 of 26 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown with an interception in Thursday's 41-16 win over the Cowboys.

Impact With Antonio Gibson running for three TDs and the defense adding one of its own courtesy a Montez Sweat pick-six, there wasn't a whole lot for Smith to do on the afternoon. The veteran QB did connect with Logan Thomas on a five-yard score late in the second quarter, putting Washington in the lead for good. Smith, and the entire Washington offense, face a much tougher opponent in Week 13's road clash with the undefeated Steelers.

NOVEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Modest yardage total in win Smith completed 17 of 25 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 20-9 win over Cincinnati. He also had minus-3 yards on three rushing attempts.

Impact After throwing for a career-high 390 yards last week, Smith struggled mightily in the first half, with just 80 yards and an interception en route to a 9-7 deficit. He bounced back with a three-yard touchdown pass to Steven Sims to take a 14-9 lead in the third quarter, then relied on the running game and defense to close things out against a Bengals team that didn't put up much resistance after losing starting quarterback Joe Burrow to a season-ending knee injury. Smith was making just his second start after coming back from a devastating knee injury of his own, and he has exceeded expectations heading into a Thanksgiving matchup against the NFC East rival Cowboys.

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sets career high in passing yards Smith completed 38 of 55 pass attempts for 390 yards while carrying two times for four yards during Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Lions.

Impact Smith completed 69 percent of his pass attempts and spread the ball around to eight different receivers as he set a new career high in passing yardage. He could've had a better day from a fantasy perspective but he watched on as the running backs accounted for three touchdowns in the red zone. Smith helped bring his team all the way back from a 14-point halftime deficit and appeared poised to add to his numbers in overtime, only for the Lions to win in regulation on a last-second field goal. The veteran has piled up an impressive 715 passing yards over the last two weeks and will look to improve his unsightly 1:3 TD:INT in a favorable matchup next Sunday against the Bengals.

NOVEMBER 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Inserted into starting role Smith went 24-for-32 passing with 325 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Giants.

Impact Smith was inserted into the starting role after Kyle Allen suffered an ankle injury at the tail end of the first quarter, and he was capable of keeping his team in the game until the final offensive drive despite three giveaways. The first came on Washington's final drive of the second quarter, as Smith was intercepted by Blake Martinez after J.D. McKissic fell down while running his route. The final two turnovers from Smith came in crunch time, as he tossed INTs at the 3:18 and 1:15 marks of the final period. The three-time Pro Bowler posted eight consecutive winning seasons as a starter between 2011 and 2018, so perhaps with more time, he will settle into an efficient groove. Coach Ron Rivera did state after the game that Smith will remain Washington's starter, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Week 10 presents a matchup against a Lions defense that surrendered three TDs while forcing no interceptions against Kirk Cousins and the Vikings on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Makes long-awaited return Smith took over for Kyle Allen (arm) at the two-minute warning in the first half and completed nine of 17 passes for 37 yards in the Washington Football Team's 30-10 loss to the Ra...

Impact The veteran quarterback saw his first action since Nov. 18, 2018 after overcoming a gruesome leg injury that nearly ended his career, with his presence on the field one of the few bright spots in the double-digit loss for the WFT. Smith had been elevated to the No. 2 role behind Allen for the contest, and he was unexpectedly thrust into action after the latter took a serious sideline hit from the Rams' Jalen Ramsey just before halftime. The 16-year veteran enjoyed limited success statistically, and Rivera did announce after the game that Allen would be the starting quarterback Week 6 against the Giants if healthy enough to suit up.

OCTOBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Alex Smith Makes Incredible Return

For the first time since his gruesome injury, Alex Smith was under center. And social media loved every second.

OCTOBER 11, 2020 • FOX SPORTS

Active for Week 5 Smith is active as Washington's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Kyle Allen in Sunday's game against the Rams.

Impact As was expected to be the case after Dwayne Haskins was demoted from the starting role to third string earlier this week, Smith will move up a spot on the depth chart and dress for the first time since he suffered a major leg injury in a Nov. 18, 2018 game against the Texans. While Smith is presumably still looking to get back to full speed nearly two years removed from the traumatic injury, Washington apparently has been pleased with how the 36-year-old has looked in practices to date. In fact, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported earlier Sunday that Washington is hopeful that Smith can unseat Allen as the starter after another week or two of practice time, though any change would likely hinge on how Allen performs against the Rams and in any subsequent starts he receives.

OCTOBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Still getting acclimated Coach Ron Rivera said Thursday that Smith hasn't received many reps this season and is "still working back," Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site reports.

Impact Smith has worked as Washington's No. 3 quarterback for most of 2020, but he now stands to see substantially more work in practice after having been officially named the backup to Kyle Allen . Teammate Jonathan Allen recently expressed confidence in Smith's health and ability to take a hit, Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington reports, and it looks as though the Football Team has received enough medical encouragement that the veteran will be active on game day Week 5. Moreover, Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post suggests that the team could seriously considering making a switch to Smith once he's gotten fully comfortable.

OCTOBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE