RICHMOND — Alex Smith won’t be playing football anytime soon, but the 35-year-old veteran is still finding a way to make an impact on the Redskins’ quarterback room. Coach Jay Gruden said Sunday that Smith has been a “calming influence” while the rest of the team’s signal-callers compete for the starting job.
Smith has been around his teammates throughout training camp while he also focuses on his rehab. He has occasionally observed practice from the sideline, using crutches to support himself.
“He’s just a calming influence for them,” Gruden said. “He’s very supportive for each and individual guy. He’ll get on them when he needs to get on them a little bit in a fun-loving kind of way. He’s just a great presence to have in the quarterback room.
“Obviously, we welcome it whenever he wants to come in there. He’s been in every quarterback meeting so far.”
Smith had his external fixator removed from his right leg earlier this month, though still has to wear a brace.
Smith suffered a broken fibula and tibia last season against the Houston Texans. He required multiple surgeries as he battled a post-op infection.
“He wasn’t really around during minicamp,” rookie Dwayne Haskins said, “but he is here every day now so I’ll get to pick his brain.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.