Redskins quarterback Alex Smith has been quiet for months.
Ever since a devastating tackle from J.J. Watt left Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith‘s leg in shambles, the veteran quarterback has fallen out of the media spotlight.
At first, after the injury was sustained, Smith’s surgery was reported to have been successful. Shortly after, however, it was revealed that Smith had suffered from complications resulting from the surgery, and that infection had settled in.
Smith’s fight with post-surgery infection went on for some time, and on December 16, 2018, his wife posted on Instagram that Smith had finally returned home. Since then, there’s been silence on Smith’s front, as the family requested privacy.
Now, Smith has been seen for the first time in public since his injury. Earlier today, Smith made an appearance at the Washington Wizards’ matchup with the Detroit Pistons. A video of Smith’s appearance can be seen below.
WATCH: Alex Smith is at Wizards-Pistons, giving a glimpse at his injured right leg as he continues his recovery.
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) January 21, 2019
READ: https://t.co/2IQun1tL3g pic.twitter.com/SXiXPrBhP7
It’s good to see Smith in the area; he appears to be in relatively good spirits, considering his condition. It’s hard not to notice the contraption on his leg, which is known as an external fixator, designed to keep the bones held in place.
Smith’s outlook for 2019, at the least, has always been doubtful, and this video does nothing to change that. Smith is very clearly not able to walk yet, and if the state of his leg gives any indication as to how far along he is in his rehabilitation, it is not a good indication.
That said, Smith has shown that he’ll stay in the area, and as long as he maintains a presence around the team, players will benefit. Players openly spoke of how meaningful Smith’s leadership was, both on and off the field. Smith was one of the few reasons the Redskins were able to win six of their first nine games, and his mentality proved to be contagious.
But no one’s asking Smith to keep his team mates in high spirits. Smith only has one job for the foreseeable future, and that’s to rest, rehabilitate, and try to get back to the game he loves.