Commanders

Alex Smith Battling Serious Infection, Concern It Could Be Career-Threatening

December 6, 2018

Update:

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report that Alex Smith has had “several” procedures to remove tissue and clear the infection. Smith is still reportedly approaching the situation with optimism about playing again.

Diana Russini reports that there is serious concern this is a career-threatening injury.

Burgundy Blog reported Wednesday that Redskisn QB Alex Smith is still in the hospital dealing with a post-operation infection that will likely require re-intervention and possibly “partial reconstruction.”

Eric Bickel of 106.7 The Fan reported Thursday that Smith has undergone multiple surgeries to combat an infection and the “chances of him playing again in real jeopardy.”
According to Ian Rapoport, Smith is, in fact, battling an infection related to the surgery he had on his broken fibula and tibia. However, it’s premature to say what this means for his playing future. Rapoport adds that Smith’s situation is being handled with care and dealt with seriously by doctors.

The Redskins released the following statement regarding Smith:

Statement by the Washington Redskins: pic.twitter.com/SROL4sPVFM

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 6, 2018

Adam Schefter of ESPN previously reported that Smith’s return to football is not a certainty, but there is optimism that he will be able to return from the spiral fracture in his leg.

Smith, 34, is a former first-round pick of the 49ers back in 2005. After seven years in San Francisco, Smith was traded to the Chiefs in 2013.

Smith was in the fourth year of his five-year, $76 million contract that includes $45 million guaranteed and set to make a base salary of $10.8 million for the 2018 season when he was traded to the Redskins back in March.

The Redskin and Smith later agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract that included $55 million fully guaranteed.

In 2018, Smith appeared in 10 games for the Redskins and completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,045 yards receiving to go along with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also rushed for 168 yards and a touchdown.