Quarterback Alex Smith holds the keys to the Washington Redskins' 2018 season, and most fans have never seen him throw a pass in the burgundy and gold. That could change on Thursday night.
According to an ESPN on-air report from Lisa Salters (during the pregame broadcast), Smith said that he will start the game and probably play just the first series.
Around the same time, Smith was seen on the field, in pads with his first-string teammates, throwing the ball around.
Alex Smith is in pads. We'll see if he plays #Redskins pic.twitter.com/AiuloGAYjz
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 16, 2018Alex Smith warming up pic.twitter.com/okfdfpiqzG
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 16, 2018Looks can be deceiving, however, as Smith did warmup with the team before the first preseason game as well. However, the fact that he's in pads would be strange if he doesn't plan to play.
Local reporter J.P. Finlay explained what this might mean for the playing status of other first-string players:
If Trent Williams plays, Alex Smith plays. About 10 plays for both, per source. This appears to be mutually exclusive.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 16, 2018The advantage of playing him on Thursday night is obvious: this is a new offense with new teammates and nothing beats live action repetitions.
The disadvantages of playing are also painfully obvious: the Redskins lost three players to season-ending injury, including presumed starting running back Derrius Guice. They likely won't put Smith anywhere that they can't protect him, and even then, nothing is as important as getting to Week 1 healthy.
If he does not start on Thursday--and even if he does-- Colt McCoy is still expected to take a lion's share of the first-half snaps.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, the number three overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, will definitely start for the Jets, giving the Redskins' defense another look at a quality, young quarterback.
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