Alex Smith completed one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history Sunday against the Rams, returning to the field less than two years after suffering a career and potentially life-threatening injury that required 17 surgeries and nearly cost him his right leg. The former first overall pick spent the afternoon under siege, completing just 9-of-17 passes for 37 scoreless yards while absorbing six sacks (three courtesy of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald) in Washington’s 30-10 loss at FedEx Field.
While Smith didn’t light up the box score in Week 5, his mere presence may have been enough to earn him NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In fact, at least one prominent betting outlet—FanDuel Sportsbook—has pegged him as the odds-on favorite. Smith, who was billed as a 10-1 longshot as recently as last week (Dwayne Haskins’ benching boosted his odds to 4-1), is now -330 to win the award, pushing him ahead of fellow quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England’s Cam Newton (both +420).
“While Smith's numbers may not match those of others in the market, it is incredible that he has returned to the field and we think the current odds reflect how voters are likely to view it,” said FanDuel spokesman Kevin Hennessy in response to Smith’s new status as the favorite.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, Newton has received the most betting action so far, followed in close succession by Roethlisberger. In addition to the big three of Smith, Cam and Big Ben, Aldon Smith (14-1)—who latched on with Dallas after a three-year hiatus—J.J. Watt (20-1), Nick Foles (32-1) and Myles Garrett (32-1) have also emerged as strong candidates for NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was last year’s recipient.
Head coach Ron Rivera insists Kyle Allen will remain the team’s starter when healthy (an arm injury cost him most of Week 5), though we should see Smith again at some point. And even if Sunday’s 29 snaps are all we see of Smith this year, it won’t make his remarkable return any less inspiring.
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