AROUND THE NFL
■ Redskins: QB Alex Smith was released from the hospital following multiple surgeries to his broken right leg. His wife, Elizabeth, posted an update on Instagram and said she was grateful to have her husband home and thanked family, friends and “the relentless doctors, nurses, techs, hospital administrators, the Snyder family and the Washington Redskins.” Smith, 34, sustained a spiral fracture to his right leg when he was sacked in a game against the Texans on Nov. 18. He underwent surgery the next day. An infection reportedly required further procedures. ESPN reported that there’s some optimism he may be able to play again.
■ Patriots: Tom Brady became the fourth QB in league history to reach 70,000 career yards with an 8-yard completion to Rex Burkhead during the Patriots’ loss to the Steelers. Brady joined Drew Brees (73,908), Peyton Manning (71,940) and Brett Favre (71,838).
■ Ravens: NFL Network reported that QB Joe Flacco likely won’t return to the Ravens next season. Flacco, 33, suffered a right hip injury during a loss to the Steelers on Nov. 4. He recently returned to practice, but coach John Harbaugh stuck with rookie first-rounder Lamar Jackson. Flacco had been the Ravens’ starting QB for his entire career. He helped the team win the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season and was the game’s MVP.
■ Giants: Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning may end up returning to the Giants next season, NFL Network reported. Manning is set to make $16.5 million in 2019, the final year of his contract.
■ Dolphins: Veteran RB Frank Gore left the Dolphins’ loss to the Vikings after spraining his left foot during the first quarter. He was helped to the sideline and took a cart to the locker room, where he later was seen wearing a walking boot. Coach Adam Gase didn’t have update Gore’s status after the game, but NFL Network reported that X-rays were negative. Gore is in his 14th season and ranks fourth on the league’s all-time rushing list. He has made a league-high 122 straight starts. ESPN reported that Gore will undergo an MRI on Monday.
■ Notable injuries: Bears S Eddie Jackson (ankle); Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) and WR Randall Cobb (concussion); Bills RB Marcus Murphy (elbow); Redskins S Montae Nicholson (finger), T Ty Nsekhe (knee) and CBs Josh Holsey (knee) and Danny Johnson (finger); Jaguars TE Vernon Davis (concussion) and S Jarrod Wilson (ankle); 49ers CB Ahkello Withersoon (knee) and RB Matt Breida (ankle); Seahawks G Jordan Simmons (knee); Giants C Spencer Pulley (calf ); Colts DT Al Woods (leg); Bengals LB Jordan Evans (ankle) and WR Tyler Boyd (knee).