Redskins team president Bruce Allen denied a recent report Thursday that Washington was preparing as if quarterback Alex Smith would be unavailable to play in 2019 because of his leg injury.
Speaking to NBC Sports Washington, Allen said the report was not accurate.
“It didn’t come from the Washington Redksins and it didn’t come from the doctors,” Allen said.
So is there a chance Smith plays next season? Allen didn’t go that far.
“I didn’t say that,” Allen said. “We’re taking this the same way Alex approaches a game, a game plan or an offseason is one day at a time. He’s following the doctors’ orders. … I know he wants to try to do some things earlier if possible. At the right time, we’ll know when he can play but we’re not even thinking about that right now.”
On Sunday, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Reskins would be “pleasantly surprised” if Smith were able to play next season, but were acting accordingly.
Smith suffered a season-ending broken leg Nov. 18 against the Houston Texans, which has resulted in multiple surgeries and an infection. Making his first public appearance last week at a Washington Wizards game, Smith was seen with an external fixator on his leg.
Besides Smith, the Redskins have only Colt McCoy under contract for next season.
Allen said the team could bring back veteran Josh Johnson, who started the last three games of the season.
“Yeah, we’re talking to his agent right now,” Allen said. “He’s going to have to make a decision when he wants to (return.)”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.