ALEX SMITH NEWS

Released by Washington Smith (calf) was officially released by Washington on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact The 36-year-old didn't have much of a trade market with two years remaining on the four-year, $94 million extension he signed in 2018, so it was only a matter of time before he was cut by Washington. Smith still believes he can continue playing in the NFL but also indicated he may consider retirement. He earned Comeback Player of the Year honors after completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,582 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games during 2020.

MARCH 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Colin Cowherd predicts the NFL starting quarterbacks for Week 1

Colin Cowherd's latest game predicts where QBs with not-so-certain situations will start in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.

MARCH 4, 2021

Likely done in Washington The Washington Football Team is expected to "part ways" with Smith (calf) in the coming days, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Smith presumably will be released, as he isn't likely to have any trade value with two seasons remaining on a four-year, $94 million extension. Any trade would require the 36-year-old QB to take a pay cut, and even then he'd probably be looking at a backup job or a slim shot to win a starting role. Smith recently expressed confidence in his ability to continue playing in the NFL, but he might consider retirement if he's released by Washington and can't find another opportunity to his liking.

MARCH 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Unsure about NFL future Smith believes he can still play in the NFL, but he still hasn't made a final decision on continuing his career, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Smith was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2020, returning from a devastating leg injury to make six starts for Washington. He won five of those games en route to a playoff berth, but Smith also made a lot of mistakes -- including eight interceptions -- and missed the end of the season with a calf injury. He has two years remaining on his contract, but he might need to accept a pay cut to stay in Washington, as the team can free up approximately $14.7 million in cap space if Smith is released. It isn't clear if Smith wants to stay in Washington, play elsewhere or retire.

FEBRUARY 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Plans to mull playing future Smith, who missed Saturday's playoff loss to the Buccaneers due to a strained right calf muscle, has yet to make a decision on whether he plans to continue his playing career, John...

Impact The report notes that the veteran a QB plans to take some time this offseason before making a call on his career plans. After suffering a devastating leg injury in November of 2018, Smith -- who has two more years left on his contract -- beat the odds and made it back to Washington's lineup this past season, starting six games for the team. With the franchise already having moved on from 2019 first-rounder Dwayne Haskins, the team's QB situation remains fluid, with its plans for Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen to be determined.

JANUARY 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting out Saturday Smith (calf) is inactive for Saturday's wild-card game against the Buccaneers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post

Impact Smith entered the weekend as questionable to play, but his right hamstring continues to be bothersome and won't allow him to suit up, resulting in his third absence over the last four contests. In Smith's stead, Taylor Heinicke will direct Washington's offense.

JANUARY 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not expected to be active Smith (calf) is not expected to be active for Saturday's wild-card contest against the Buccaneers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact The report made sure to suggest it wasn't a pain tolerance issue, more so the expected game plan could not be functionally run with a limited Smith under center. As a result, expect Taylor Heinicke to get the start with Steven Montez set to back up the 27-year-old signal caller.

JANUARY 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Status trending downward Smith (calf) will be evaluated Saturday morning but appears to be trending in the wrong direction to suit up for the wild-card game against the Buccaneers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Netw...

Impact It's unclear if Washington will make the call on its quarterback situation closer to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff or earlier Saturday, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Smith sit considering the veteran handled very few practice reps throughout the week. Instead, Taylor Heinicke, whom coach Ron Rivera suggested could be part of a quarterback rotation even if Smith was healthy enough to play, could get the start for Washington.

JANUARY 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Status in question for Saturday Smith (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday's wild-card game against the Buccaneers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Smith didn't handle many reps in practice this week, instead taking a back seat to backup Taylor Heinicke. Earlier this week, coach Ron Rivera mentioned the potential for a quarterback rotation Saturday, and he also called Smith "a little bit sore," per Jhabvala. Smith seems poised to play through a balky right calf this weekend, but whether he can handle a full allotment of snaps remains to be seen.

JANUARY 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Upgrades to limited participation Smith (calf) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Impact It's an upgrade from Tuesday when Smith was listed as a non-participant on the estimated practice report (Washington didn't actually hold a practice). He'll likely get another start in the wild-card round against Tampa after he returned for Week 17, but coach Ron Rivera did suggest Tuesday that Taylor Heinicke could also get some snaps at quarterback. Smith struggled in the Week 17 win over Philadelphia, throwing a pair of interceptions while displaying little-to-no mobility.

JANUARY 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Managing calf injury Smith (calf) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's practice estimate, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Impact Per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Smith did some stretching during Tuesday's walk-through, but it's no surprise that the veteran signal caller is on Washington's initial injury report in advance of Saturday's playoff opener against the Buccaneers, given that he's been dealing with a strained calf of late. With that context in mind, ESPN's John Keim relays that coach Ron Rivera hasn't ruled out the possibility that Taylor Heinicke could mix in with Smith at QB this weekend.

JANUARY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Could be part of QB rotation Head coach Ron Rivera said that Washington "definitely has to look at" using Smith (calf) as part of a rotation at quarterback with Taylor Heinicke in Saturday's wild-card game ver...

Impact After missing two straight games with a right calf strain, Smith returned to play every snap in the Football Team's Week 17 win over the Eagles, completing 22 of 32 attempts for 169 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions along the way. While Smith isn't believed to have suffered a setback in the contest, it was apparent that the veteran was still operating at well below 100 percent in the regular-season finale. Rivera noted that the idea of rotating Heinicke in at quarterback may ultimately come down to in-game circumstances, so if Smith can at least keep the Football Team competitive throughout the wild-card game, he likely won't be in danger of losing many snaps, if any.

JANUARY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team to inspirational victory Smith completed 22 of 32 pass attempts for 162 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's playoff-clinching win over Philadelphia.

Impact If you thought Smith's miraculous comeback in 2020 couldn't get anymore story-like, he returned from injury in the last game of the regular season to lead a leader-less Washington Football Team to both a victory and a playoff berth. The 36-year-old completed 67 percent of his passes for 1,582 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions over eight contests in his first action since suffering a gruesome leg injury back in 2018. Smith's play this year will stick with Washington fans and football fans alike, but he doesn't have much left from a fantasy perspective, as his strengths (ball security and mobility) are long gone. Smith is set to make $18.75 million and $20.75 million over the next two years respectively, and he will need to decide whether or not to continue playing football professionally next season following Washington's playoff bid.

JANUARY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Suiting up Sunday, as expected Smith (calf) is active for Sunday's game at Philadelphia, Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site reports.

Impact Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reported earlier Sunday that Ron Rivera said Smith was cleared to suit up and start with his balky right hamstring, and indeed that has come to pass. If Washington pulls off a win, it officially takes the NFC East, so Smith likely will do everything in his power to gut it out Week 17.

JANUARY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to make Week 17 start Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Smith (calf) has been cleared to start Sunday's game against the Eagles, Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports.

Impact Though Smith remains listed as questionable for the contest, he's expected to avoid the inactive list and take back the reins of the Washington offense after his strained right calf prevented him from suiting up in the Football Team's last two games, both of which were losses. Smith managed only two limited practices this week, but Washington came away encouraged enough with his health and has every expectation that he'll be able to play a full game. Taylor Heinicke will serve as the backup and remains on standby in the event Smith suffers an in-game setback.

JANUARY 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

On track to start Sunday Smith (calf) is expected to start Sunday's game against the Eagles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Smith's calf feels right after back-to-back limited practices to finish the week. The veteran quarterback will be evaluated one more time Sunday morning, but he's expected to be ready to start in the must-win game. If Smith suffers an unexpected setback, Taylor Heinicke is slated to start under center while Steven Montez would serve as the backup.

JANUARY 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday night Smith (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, with coach Ron Rivera saying the team will need to see how the quarterback feels Saturday, John Keim of...

Impact Rivera said Smith looked good at Friday's practice, where he was a limited participant for a second straight day. The veteran QB has given himself a shot to play, but it does seem the coaching staff still isn't sure, as QB Steven Montez is being brought up from the practice squad to provide depth behind Smith and Taylor Heinicke. It'll be Heinicke making the Week 17 start if Smith isn't able to play in the must-win game Sunday night.

JANUARY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Practicing Friday Smith (calf) is taking part in practice Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Impact Pellisero says Smith will ramp up his activity level, testing out his calf in advance of Sunday's matchup with the Eagles. The veteran quarterback was a limited practice participant Thursday, and he seems likely to be listed as questionable when Washington releases its final Week 17 injury report later Friday.

JANUARY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Officially limited Thursday Smith (calf) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Impact For the first time since straining his right calf Week 14, Smith took part in the team stretch and also handled some reps with the first-team offense, per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. After the session, coach Ron Rivera noted Smith's activity level Friday could be tied to whether Washington practices outdoors or indoors due to the weather, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Rivera seems to be implying that even if Smith reverts to a non-participant Friday, it may not mean much as he doesn't want to risk aggravating the QB's injury. If Smith is unable to suit up or is deemed an emergency option Sunday at Philadelphia, the Football Team will have Taylor Heinicke under center.

DECEMBER 31, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Works on side field Wednesday Smith (calf) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, instead doing mobility drills on the side, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Impact In the wake of Washington parting ways with Dwayne Haskins on Monday, coach Ron Rivera will need to make a decision regarding the starting quarterback Week 17 with a playoff berth on the line. Rivera expressed optimism earlier this week that Smith will be available Sunday at Philadelphia, telling Fortier that the veteran signal-caller "was very close last week" before ultimately being inactive Week 16. Smith's lack of on-field work this week isn't a great way to kick off preparation for the Eagles, but he'll have two more practices to prove the health of his right calf. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinicke handled first-team reps Wednesday, per Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic.

DECEMBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Optimism for Week 17 Coach Ron Rivera said Monday that he's optimistic Smith (calf) will be available against the Eagles in Week 17, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Smith was forced to sit out last weekend's 20-13 loss to the Panthers due to a calf strain, but Rivera said he was "very close" to playing. Dwayne Haskins was inefficient enough under center that Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday's must-win road game against the Eagles if Smith can't go, per Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic.

DECEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting out again Sunday Smith (calf) is inactive for Sunday's contest versus the Panthers, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Impact Washington subjected Smith to a workout this weekend and didn't consider his strained right calf ready to hold up to the rigors of game action. As a result, he'll miss a second straight outing as Dwayne Haskins gets another spot start at quarterback.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Won't start Week 16 Washington will deploy Dwayne Haskins as its starting quarterback Sunday against the Panthers with Smith (calf) expected to be inactive for the contest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network...

Impact The Football Team was optimistic Smith would put an end to a one-game absence after he practiced fully Friday, but his strained right calf apparently didn't respond to the workout as well as Washington hoped. After re-evaluating Smith on Sunday, the team determined that it was best to give him another week off and hand Haskins a second straight start. Per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Smith won't be available as an emergency backup, as the Football Team instead plans to have both Steven Montez and Taylor Heinicke active for the contest as the reserve options behind Haskins.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Trending in wrong direction Week 16 Smith (calf) -- who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers -- hasn't been ruled out from making the start for Washington, but the team continues to have c...

Impact Washington listed Smith as a limited participant in its first two practices of Week 16, but Dwayne Haskins took all the starter's reps through Thursday until the former participated fully in Friday's session. Despite the uptick in Smith's activity, Washington apparently isn't convinced that he's fit to play Week 16, a worrying sign as Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff approaches. Expect Washington to put Smith through another workout Sunday before a decision on his status is made, but even if the veteran is active for the contest, he may only be available as an emergency backup to Haskins.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Sunday Smith (calf) will be examined early Sunday, but "optimism is waning" for the quarterback to receive the starting nod ahead of Washington's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff versus the Panthers,...

Impact Smith took a questionable tag into the weekend after putting in a full practice Friday, but his strained right calf apparently still hasn't fully healed, leaving Washington concerned he won't be ready to play Week 16. In the event that Smith is inactive Sunday or limited to emergency backup duty, Dwayne Haskins would be in line to start at quarterback for the second week in a row.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE