QB Smith goes home from hospital after ‘difficult ride’
WASHINGTON — Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith is finally home from the hospital, his return to football relatively promising but still uncertain.
It is still too soon to begin speculating about a timetable for football activities, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “He’s been through a lot,” that person said.
Smith sent a “thumbs up” message in a photo his wife posted on Instagram on Sunday morning. It shows the Redskins quarterback sitting in front of a Christmas tree at their home, holding a Redskins mug covered by a Redskins lap blanket.
“HOME...This last month has been a difficult ride,” Elizabeth Smith wrote. “Our family is beyond happy to have this man with us and home. This experience has given us great perspective and gratitude for all the people and blessings in our lives. We couldn’t have gotten through it without our amazing family, friends and community. A special thank you to the relentless doctors, nurses, techs, hospital administrators, the Snyder family and the Washington Redskins.”
Because of an infection that reportedly required multiple procedures, Smith, 34, spent more time in the hospital than anticipated after he suffered a gruesome leg injury during a game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 18. He broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg, and it was reported that the bone broke through the skin, which increases the risk of infection.
Last week, the team issued a statement after reports surfaced about the infection. The team on Dec. 6 described his injury as “serious” and asked that “everyone please honor the Smith family’s request for privacy at this time,” while providing no specifics on Smith’s situation.
Earlier in the week, a large group of players took a team bus to the hospital to visit him. “We all just assured him, ‘Hey, we’re praying for you, man,’ and wished him the best for him,” running back Adrian Peterson said. “That’s all we can do. ‘Hey, you’re not in the building, but we’re still thinking about you.’”
Smith’s contract is fully guaranteed, including for injury, for $71 million of the $94 million extension he signed last offseason. If he is unable to play next season due to the injury, the Redskins would not receive any salary cap relief.