Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith still has a long road to recovery from the devastating injury that once called his career into question. But this latest step in that arduous process is still cause for celebration.
Elizabeth Smith, married to the veteran signal-caller, posted a photo on Instagram of her husband holding the external fixator he's been wearing on his right leg since having surgery last November, as captured by NFL.com's Lakisha Jackson. In the accompanying caption, it was revealed Smith will no longer be required to wear the heavy, metal brace.
Great news for Alex Smith! No more leg brace! #redskins pic.twitter.com/7GV5wtTf0N
— Lakisha Wesseling (@LakishaJackson) July 15, 2019
Smith suffered compound and spiral fractures to his right leg on November 18 when he was sacked by Houston Texans defenders J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson. He remained hospitalized for the next several weeks due to post-surgery complications, including an aggressive infection that caused doctors to remove additional soft tissue from his leg. Though it was assumed from the beginning that Smith was a long-shot to play in 2019, reports began surfacing in January that his playing days were likely over.
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft made his first appearance at offseason team activities in late May, photographed playing casual catch and joking with teammates. Washington coach Jon Gruden said shortly thereafter that Smith is “recovering nicely” and could return sooner than anticipated.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Smith was acquired by the Redskins in January 2018 trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Washington enters training camp later this month with fellow trade acquisition Case Keenum, first-round pick Dwayne Haskins, and veteran backup Colt McCoy battling to be the team's starter.
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