Alex Smith won't be the quarterback for the Washington Redskins in 2019. It will likely be rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins or one of Case Keenum and Colt McCoy. As Smith recovers from a gruesome leg break — that many view as career-ending — watching practice is all he can do for the moment.

In a sit-down interview with the voice of the Redskins, Larry Michael, Smith told NBCSportsWashington about his time as a viewer at practice.

I’m loving being down here; I’m glad I came down. This whole experience for me has kind of been flexible with my rehab and coming back. I made the decision to come down here and I’m really happy with it. It’s nice to be around the guys. Selfishly for me, it’s helped me pass some time. I’ve been getting good work in, but at the same time, obviously a different role, almost like a coach a little bit, especially with the quarterbacks.

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Still in crutches, donning a large cast — but not an external fixator — Smith is optimistic about returning to the playing field.

I’m as optimistic as I’ve ever been. I’ve continued to progress. I don’t think I’ve ever anticipated what this road would be like. I don’t think I knew what it would be like. It’s longer than I thought. But like I said, I’m still progressing and really optimistic about what is ahead of me.

Smith has remained optimistic throughout the process of reviving his NFL career. He “without a doubt” wants to be back with the Redskins at some point. But, for now, he'll have to focus on rehab and helping his teammates.