Washington removes QB Alex Smith from PUP list on Sunday

Washington is planning on removing quarterback Alex Smith from the Physically Unable to Perform List on Sunday, according to ESPN’s John Keim. Smith opened camp on the list as he finalized his recovery from a devastating leg injury that nearly cost him his life due to infection.

Smith was cleared by his personal doctors for football activities in late July, but the team wanted to take it slow. By opening him on the PUP list, Washington reserved the right to keep him on the list into the regular season if need be. However, that will not be the case.

The team acquired Smith in 2018 in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was Washington’s started that season before suffering the compound fracture of his leg. The following April, the team spent a first round pick on Dwayne Haskins, and he eventually replaced Case Keenum as the team’s starter.

As Smith returns to practice, he joins a depth chart that includes Haskins, former Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen, and undrafted free agent addition Steven Montez. Haskins is expected to start, but Smith will get a chance to compete in practice these next three weeks as the team figures out its depth chart the coming season. Odds seem decent they keep both Allen and Smith behind Haskins.