The Washington Football Team is expected to welcome veteran Alex Smith back as the starting quarterback in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles after missing time due to a calf injury, per NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport.

Smith last appeared under center in Washington's Week 14 encounter against the San Francisco 49ers. He only recorded 57 passing yards on an 8-of-19 passing clip along with a sack and an interception before heading to the locker room.

The three-time Pro Bowler was replaced by Dwayne Haskins in Washington's 23-15 victory against the depleted 49ers. Haskins continued to slot in as the team's starter in the ensuing game against the Seattle Seahawks, but he didn't play well in a 20-15 loss.

After a whirlwind week featuring off-the-field drama, the former Ohio State standout struggled mightily under center once again in the place of Smith against the Carolina Panthers, with tallies of 154 yards on 14-of-28 passing in an ugly 20-13 loss. Haskins didn't get to finish the tilt due to getting benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke.

While there's optimism that Smith will be able to return for the crucial Week 17 matchup against the Eagles, it's not totally set in stone yet. If Smith is somehow unable to go, Ron Rivera announced Monday he'll go with Heinicke instead of Haskins.

Washington will be playing for the NFC East crown against Philadelphia. Washington and the Dallas Cowboys are both 6-9, while the New York Giants are still alive at 5-10. The Eagles have been eliminated from playoff contention.