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Comeback complete: Alex Smith makes Washington roster, won't go on IR

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith is one step closer to starting an NFL game again. Smith made the Washington Football Team’s 53-man roster Saturday, and it sounds like he might be available to play this season.

Smith, 36, will not be placed on Injured Reserve after making the team, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

It’s yet another positive step for Smith, who is coming back from a gruesome leg injury he suffered during the 2018 season. Smith needed 17 surgeries on his leg following the injury.

Alex Smith won’t start Week 1 for Washington

While Smith made the team, he isn’t expected to start. Dwayne Haskins — the team’s first-round draft pick from last season — won the starting job in Washington.

It’s unclear where Smith will fall on the depth chart. Washington also traded for Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen in the offseason. Allen, 24, played with head coach Ron Rivera in Carolina. Allen could open the season as Haskins’ backup, with Smith sitting third on the depth chart.

Alex Smith passes the ball during practice at the team's training facility.
Washington quarterback Alex Smith made the team's initial 53-man roster, moving him a step closer to playing again after his gruesome leg injury. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

What does Alex Smith still have left in the tank?

Prior to the injury, Smith had established himself as a steady NFL starter. In five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith averaged 20.4 touchdowns and just 6.6 interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl twice.

Following the 2017 season, Smith was traded to Washington so the Chiefs could start Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. The move worked out for Kansas City, as Mahomes led them to a Super Bowl win last season.

Smith played 10 games with Washington before suffering his leg injury.

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