A LITTLE BLOOD CAN’T STOP SMITH
Alex Smith, in his words, could “see the blood pumping out” of a cut under his left sock late in the first half of Washington’s last game. So could the TV audience.
“Never,” the 36-year-old quarterback would say after the win, matter-of-fact as can be, “had one gush like that.”
He simply shrugged off what he attributed to getting accidentally stepped on and helped complete a comefrom-behind 23-17 victory over the previously unbeaten Steelers.
After all, what sort of hassle was that compared to the 17 operations Smith, a Helix High graduate, went through after breaking his right leg, a medical nightmare that sidelined him for nearly two full years, threatened his ability to walk and even put his life in danger?
Smith truly is Mr. Comeback. And he seems to be a clear-as-could-be choice to collect Comeback Player of the Year honors, merely by virtue of returning to the field.
Doesn’t even matter that his steady leadership and take-what-they-give-you passing has led Washington (5-7) to three consecutive wins and helped turn around the club’s season heading into Sunday’s game against the 49ers (5-7).
“It has been a progression from the first play, getting out there and getting over the whole contact hump and hurdle to take hits, and kind of moving beyond that, because that was a step for me. Then, moving on and going to the next step and going out and playing well,” Smith said Thursday. “Doing that, all of a sudden, the progression became starting now — and, with a week of preparation, going out there and play winning football.”
Washington has gone 3-1 to recover from a 1-5 start.
“I am feeling really good and comfortable right now — on the field and off the field, as well,” Smith said. “I do feel like, compared to five or six weeks ago, I do feel better. I still feel like I’m progressing, but not limited in any way.”
Also, Washington running back Antonio Gibson (turf toe) didn’t practice, which coach Ron Rivera called “concerning.”
Bills reward GM
The Buffalo Bills signed General Manager Brandon Beane to a four-year contract extension, locking up the architect of a team in position to secure its third playoff berth in four years.
Beane had one season left on his current deal, and is now under contract through 2025.
His contract coincides with coach Sean McDermott, who signed to a fouryear extension in August.
Notable
Christian McCaffrey (thigh) seems likely to spend another week watching from the sideline. The 2019 All-Pro running back did not practice and Panthers coach Matt Rhule said “at this point I do not expect him to play” on Sunday against the Broncos.
Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant wrote on Twitter that he has tested negative for the coronavirus twice since being ruled out of Tuesday night’s highly anticipated reunion against the Cowboys, his former team. “I tested negative back to back for covid and I’m not excited about it,” Bryant said.
The Saints said they are shrinking the planned crowd size for a Dec. 20 home game against Kansas City from 15,000 to 3,000. The club says the decision came in collaboration with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell because current data suggests a recent surge in local positive tests.
The Cowboys placed Chidobe Awuzie on the COVID-19 reserve list, a move that likely means the cornerback will be sidelined Sunday at Cincinnati.
Packers running back A.J. Dillon was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He hasn’t played in the Packers’ last five games. Dillon has run for 97 yards on 23 carries this season.
The Bears placed punt returner DeAndre Carter on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and closed their facility for a few hours.