The devastating leg injury suffered by Alex Smith drew comparisons to the one suffered for former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann over three decades ago. Even now, Theismann continues to draw parallels between his injury and Smith's.
There has now been plenty of speculation regarding his potential timetable for a return. Theismann said during an appearance on the RapSheet + Friends Podcast could not help but get flashbacks to when his injury occurred.
“I was there that night,” Theismann said. “As soon as it happened, they happened to have a camera angle from behind. Now, it took me 20 years to see mine, but then all of a sudden with Alex, I saw this camera angle from behind him. And I looked at it and I turned to [my wife] Robin and said, ‘That's exactly like mine.'”
Theismann also suggested that Smith be patient with the healing process.
“The problem is going to be the healing process,” Theismann said on the podcast. “How long does it take? My advice to him would be: Let’s see how you feel one year from now. I think he wants to [play again]; I know it; but I’d say it’s going be a long road.”
Theismann's injury was career-ending. Fortunately, advances in medical science have given Smith a potential shot at making a comeback. Regardless, there is no question that it will be quite a while before it becomes a real possibility.
Aside from the injury, Smith has also had to deal with complications from the surgery to repair his leg. Although he was finally able to rid himself of the external fixator, there are still questions about his playing future.
Washington has since taken the necessary precautions to ensure some stability under center through free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft while he recovers. Meanwhile, Theismann will continue to live vicariously through Smith as he looks to make his return.
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