Redskins hopeful QB Smith will return from gruesome injury

Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen said he is optimistic that quarterback Alex Smith -- whose season ended in mid-November when he suffered a gruesome leg injury and subsequent infection -- will be able to return from the injury. Allen didn't project when that could be, however, when he spoke with reporters Tuesday at practice for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

"He's moving around and well on his way to a recovery," Allen said. "It's a tough thing for him and his family. All the love and care has helped him quite a bit. "We'll see how it goes. We're optimistic. If anyone can come back, it's Alex."

Smith was spotted Monday watching the Washington Wizards defeat the visiting Detroit Pistons. He had a cast on his right leg, below the knee, and what appeared to be a metal brace around his lower leg. "I'm sure he wanted to shoot hoops at the game yesterday, but we'll see," Allen said.

Allen did not say whether Washington would seek to add a quarterback either through free agency or the draft. He also would not confirm if Smith was done having medical procedures performed on his right leg, which suffered a compound fracture that required multiple surgeries and resulted in an infection, keeping Smith in the hospital for four weeks. Colt McCoy, who broke his leg in early December, is the only other quarterback currently on the roster. The Redskins signed Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez to complete the season at QB, but both will be free agents in March.

The Redskins acquired Smith, now 34, a year ago from Kansas City before the 2018 season. He signed a four-year contract extension that put him under contract for five years and $111 million. It included $71 million in injury guarantees. --Field Level Media