Alex Smith reportedly expected to make Washington Football Team roster
Alex Smith is expected to make the Washington Football Team roster.
One of the biggest questions about the Washington Football Team’s final roster appears to have been answered. It looks like Alex Smith is going to make the team’s 53-man roster.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Washington is planning on keeping Smith on the team.
The Washington Football Team plans to keep QB Alex Smith on its 53-man roster, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2020
Smith still has a long way to go. But another amazing step in his journey back from a catastrophic leg injury.
It’s unbelievable that Smith is making a return to the 53-man roster. Even if he won’t be ready to play and will spend the early part of the season on the inactives list as he gets back up to game speed, Smith’s leg injury was thought to potentially be career-ending. And it nearly took his life. The fact that he is poised to return is nothing short of remarkable regardless of the on-field impact he makes for the team.
As Pelissero noted, Smith was due a fully guaranteed $16 million anyway, so by keeping him on the team, Washington will have him available to help mentor Dwayne Haskins.
Alex Smith is due $16 million fully guaranteed in 2020, so he'd get paid either way. By keeping him on the roster, Washington gives Smith an opportunity to keep working his way back, and helping its young starter, Dwayne Haskins. https://t.co/IqUvidLPZJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2020
This is a sensible decision. Smith was a great mentor to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and is a savvy veteran. He should be able to give Haskins and Kyle Allen tips to help them improve throughout the season. For the two young QBs, it will be like having another coach on the team.
It will be interesting to see how Smith progresses in his potential return. If he can get as close to fully healthy as he can and the team feels like he can protect himself enough on the field, he could eventually return to action. He could end up in a similar situation to Teddy Bridgewater, who made his return to the Minnesota Vikings in a blowout after spending over a year off the field with a catastrophic knee injury.
What Smith can do on the field is still unclear. But the fact that he is on the 53-man roster demonstrates that the team thinks he may be able to contribute as a backup quarterback in the not-so-distant future. And if their prognosis is wrong, his veteran presence will still be valuable.
Next. Final 53-man roster projection for Washington. dark
And no matter how you look at this, Smith’s comeback is incredible. If he does set foot on the football field this season, it well may be viewed as one of the greatest comebacks of all time.