Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith has been released from a hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries on his broken leg, ESPN reported on Sunday morning.
Smith’s NFL future is in doubt as he attempts to recover from a spiral leg fracture that became infected after multiple surgeries.
From a financial perspective, the Redskins would have to absorb $20.4 million worth of salary-cap space next season and $21.4 million in 2020 should the 34-year-old Smith be unable to play.
Smith sustained two broken bones in his right leg in the third quarter of a 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans on Nov. 18 after he was sacked by Kareem Jackson and J.J. Watt. As Smith rolled over, his ankle was dangling awkwardly.
Backup Colt McCoy was inserted into the starting lineup and promptly broke his leg in a 28-13 loss at Philadelphia on Dec. 3.
Washington has shuffled veteran quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez under center in their absences.
Smith was in his first season with the Redskins after he was acquired in an offseason trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished the season with 2,180 yards and 10 touchdown passes against five interceptions.
The No. 1 overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Smith played his first seven seasons in the Bay Area before joining the Chiefs in 2013.
Smith was a Pro Bowl selection in three of his five seasons with Kansas City, guiding the team to a 50-26 record and four postseason berths.
For his career, Smith has amassed 34,068 passing yards with 193 touchdowns and 101 interceptions. He had his finest season with the Chiefs in 2017, establishing career highs with 4,042 yards and 26 scoring passes.