Washington quarterback Alex Smith could soon see NFL game action for the first time in nearly two years.
Smith's career appeared to be over after he suffered a grisly leg injury in November 2018 -- and subsequently fought through a shocking series of medical setbacks that he later said nearly cost him both his leg and even his life.
By his own account, Smith was "lucky" to survive the ordeal.
Smith courageously vowed to return to the field despite the long odds of coming back from 17 surgeries, a stunning figure -- and now the 36-year-old veteran QB has been elevated to primary backup after the recent demotion of starter Dwayne Haskins.
That means Smith will suit up and be active for the first time this season, backing up newly anointed starter Kyle Allen.
While some might have assumed Smith's return was symbolic and unlikely to result in him seeing game action, coach Ron Rivera said Friday he won't hesitate to insert the 14-year veteran.
"I have no trepidation having him come in and play if that's what happens," Rivera told reporters.
Smith hasn't been hit yet since the last fateful blow he absorbed back in 2018, which broke his right tibia and fibula. He had a titanium rod inserted in the leg, and dealt with several infections from the series of surgeries.
Smith's personal doctors and those of the Washington Football Team have fully cleared him, though skepticism remains over Smith's decision to forge ahead.
The Utah product, who was the first overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 Draft, served on the scout team before joining the active roster.
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