Alex Smith Believes He Can Return But Unlikely To Be Available For Start Of 2019, Joe Flacco An Option?

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Redskins QB Alex Smith believes he can return from the gruesome leg injury he suffered, but his NFL career is still “up in the air.”

Smith reportedly underwent several surgeries on his leg to battle an infection he dealt with a for a few weeks. Rapoport says that because of the delay created by the infection, it’s unlikely Smith will be ready to return for the start of he 2019 season.

This, of course, means that the Redskins will need to find a starting quarterback for next year. One option worth watching, according to Rapoport is current Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who is expected to be available after the season.

It’s worth mentioning that the Redskins could be in a tough cap situation next year after signing Smith to a long-term extension after trading for him, so depending on the level of interest in Flacco, it could be hard for them to afford him.

Washington could always keep Colt McCoy and draft a young quarterback prospect.

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 Redskins 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.

We’ll have more regarding Smith as the news is available.