Latest On Alex Smith
Alex Smith‘s future in the NFL remains uncertain, and the 14th-year quarterback continues to undergo surgical procedures.
A report earlier this week indicated Smith was dealing with an infection, which stemmed from his broken leg puncturing skin. But the 34-year-old passer had another operation done to remove implants inserted into his leg, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports (video link) the infection caused this latest surgery.
Since suffering a gruesome leg injury, Smith has undergone nearly six surgeries, Garafolo reports. However, the former No. 1 overall pick remains optimistic about resuming his career.
Initially, Smith was facing a six- to eight-month recovery timetable. That would have put him on track to return in time for the Redskins’ 2019 training camp. The latest news appears to amend that rehab timeline, and Smith’s 2019 season could be in jeopardy. The former 49ers and Chiefs quarterback is signed through the 2022 season, with ’19 being the first year on his latest extension. Washington guaranteed Smith $55MM at signing.
The 6-6 Redskins have gone from a Smith-Colt McCoy depth chart to Mark Sanchez–Josh Johnson. McCoy suffered a fractured fibula but is under contract in 2019, unlike the in-season injury replacements.
Jay Gruden Considering Tackles At Guard
The Giants‘ opponent Sunday will be dealing with a greater volume of injury replacements, but the Big Apple’s NFC team will be missing its biggest star. Odell Beckham Jr. will not play in Week 14. The Giants ruled out Beckham for their Redskins rematch because of a bruised quadriceps. Although Beckham practiced this week on a limited basis, the Giants are sitting him for the first time this season. New York’s 4-8 record may well be contributing to the decision. This season has not gone well for Big Blue, but Beckham has enjoyed a productive slate after an ankle injury wiped out most of his 2017 season. He has five 100-plus-yard performances and exited Week 13 with 1,052 receiving yards, six receiving scores and two touchdown passes.
- In addition to three 2018 arrests, Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster was briefly detained by Santa Clara, Calif., police this year, A.J. Perez of USA Today reports (on Twitter). In October, police were dispatched to Foster’s place of residence following a 911 call. A neighbor indicated he heard a “loud disturbance” from Foster’s residence. The woman whose domestic-abuse accusations led to two of Foster’s arrests this year, Elissa Ennis, was with the embattled defender at the time of the detainment, per the police report. Ennis told police Foster was her boyfriend and “nothing happened.” Ennis this week expressed shock the Redskins claimed Foster, whom Tampa police arrested last month for alleged domestic violence.
- Washington may be planning to go with tackles Austin Howard and Ty Nsekhe at guard against the Giants, per Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington. Jay Gruden has this option at his incredibly depleted guard spot, or the fifth-year Redskins coach could deploy Luke Bowanko or Zac Kerin. Gruden indicated he may use a rotation. The NFC East leaders for most of this season, the Redskins lost Jonathan Cooper — also an in-season replacement — for the year and will be without Tony Bergstrom. Howard, Bowanko and Kerin were in-season pickups for a Redskins team that now has five offensive linemen on IR. Washington is 6-6 and on the verge of seeing this injury-plagued season veer off the playoff course.
Redskins Notes: Smith, Johnson
Redskins quarterback Alex Smith is currently battling a leg infection in his broken fibula and tibia, but he’s still optimistic about resuming his playing career, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Doctors are removing tissue to clear the infection, but the issue remains extremely serious. Smith’s broken bone punctured his skin, which can result in increased likelihood of infection even though Smith underwent immediate surgery. Washington is now down to its third quarterback of the season in Mark Sanchez, as No. 2 Colt McCoy is also done for the year after suffering a fractured fibula of his own.
- Although he’s now the Redskins‘ backup quarterback, Josh Johnson still intends to play for the Alliance of American Football’s San Diego Fleet in spring 2019, tweets Rapoport. Johnson was protected as the first overall pick in a recent AAF draft, and he’ll suit up when the league begins its season next year. One of several quarterbacks — including Landry Jones and Ryan Mallett — who worked out for Washington after Smith went down, Johnson had the edge given his history with head coach Jay Gruden. He’s the only signal-caller behind Sanchez on the Redskins’ depth chart.
Latest On Reuben Foster
- In her first comments to the media after Reuben Foster was arrested on domestic violence charges in Tampa last month, Foster’s ex-girlfriend Elissa Ennis indicated the 49ers attempted to intervene during Foster’s arrest. It’s unclear whether Ennis was referring to San Francisco staffers or other players, but the club has issued a statement nonetheless. “The 49ers fully cooperated with authorities, assisted in locating Mr. Foster and in no way impeded their investigation,” said the team. San Francisco, of course, immediately waived Foster following the arrest, but he was claimed by the Redskins. Tampa Police are still reviewing the case against Foster, but an arraignment is tentatively scheduled for January 3, tweets Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
NFL Workout Updates: 12/6/18
Today’s workout updates, all courtesy of veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer (on Twitter):
Carolina Panthers
- G Jordan Morgan
Cleveland Browns
- WR Jake Lampman
Minnesota Vikings
- QB Bo Levi Mitchell; WR Diontae Spencer; DB/LB Chris Ackie; LB Jameer Thurman; CB Winston Rose
Washington Redskins
Redskins’ Alex Smith Battling Leg Infection
Redskins quarterback Alex Smith is battling an infection in his broken fibula and tibia, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It’s a serious matter and one that could potentially threaten his playing future. 
[RELATED: Latest On Reuben Foster]
When Smith suffered the gruesome injury against the Texans, his broken bone punctured his skin. The nature of the injury increased the likelihood for infection and that’s exactly what happened, even though Smith underwent immediate surgery to lessen the chance of that happening.
Smith, 34, posted the best campaign of his NFL career in 2017 as a member of the Chiefs before being shipped to the Redskins for a third-round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. Smith had reverted to his conservative ways in Washington and his yards per attempt average dropped by more than a yard from 2017-18. Among the 26 quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts, Smith ranked 19th in adjusted net yards per attempt and 20th in passer rating at the time of the injury.
The Redskins turned to Colt McCoy after the injury, but McCoy is likely done for the year after suffering a fractured fibula of his own. Mark Sanchez is now under center for Washington with the newly-signed Josh Johnson as his backup.
Latest On Reuben Foster
Reuben Foster‘s ex-girlfriend admitted that she falsely recanted her allegations of abuse earlier this year in an effort to protect the linebacker. In an interview with ABC, Elissa Ennis explained that she helped get the charges dropped against Foster in order to keep him out of prison and continue their relationship. 
“Love will have you doing things that’s not in your best interests,” she said (via ESPN.com) “I did what I had to do for the person I love. I thought that he would change.”
Ennis also claims the 49ers tried to intervene during Foster’s arrest last month. When police arrived to the team hotel, she alleges that people from the 49ers told cops she was the same woman who previously recanted allegations against Foster. It’s not immediately clear whether Ennis is alleging interference from players or other team staffers.
During the interview, Foster’s ex-girlfriend described a pattern of abuse between her and Foster. On at least three different occasions, she says, she was punched and kicked by the former first round pick.
The 49ers released Foster soon after the November arrest and the Redskins claimed him off waivers. Foster was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list (paid suspension) while the legal process plays out, so he is unlikely to suit up for Washington this year.
Redskins Place CB Quinton Dunbar On IR
The Redskins have placed cornerback Quinton Dunbar and wide receiver Trey Quinn on injured reserve, the club announced today. In addition, Washington announced it has signed center Demetrius Rhaney, and also confirmed the previously-reported signings of quarterback Josh Johnson, guard Zac Kerin, and defensive end Marcus Smith.
Dunbar missed Weeks 10 and 11 while dealing with a nerve issue in his shin, and struggled when he returned to the lineup in Week 12. He sat out again this past Monday night, and the Redskins have decided to call it a season for the 26-year-old defensive back. A first-time starter in 2018, Dunbar graded as the league’s No. 46 corner among 113 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. Football Outsiders, meanwhile, ranked Dunbar 33rd among 69 cornerbacks in yards per pass allowed, but just 54th in success rate, meaning he wasn’t effective at stopping receivers short of the sticks.
Washington and Dunbar agreed to a three-year, $10.5MM contract in January that superseded his status as a restricted free agent. He should return to the nation’s capital in 2020 at a base salary of $3MM, although the Redskins could save $2.25MM by releasing him. In the near term, Washington will turn to Fabian Moreau and Greg Stroman at cornerback behind No. 1 option Josh Norman.
Redskins To Sign QB Josh Johnson
The Redskins reached agreement on a deal with quarterback Josh Johnson, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Johnson auditioned alongside several other QBs on Tuesday and emerged as the best option of the bunch. 
Johsnon now becomes the Redskins’ second healthy quarterback, joining Mark Sanchez. After losing both Alex Smith and Colt McCoy to injury, the Redskins are hoping to get by, somehow, with a duo of journeymen.
Johnson, 29, was quickly chosen over E.J. Manuel, T.J. Yates, Landry Jones, and Ryan Mallett, but the Redskins had some hurdles to clear first. Johnson was the first pick of the AAF’s San Diego franchise just last week, but AAF co-founder Bill Polian confirmed that Johnson will be released from his deal so that he can sign with Washington.
Sanchez struggled against the Eagles last week, but he’ll start this week against the Giants as the Redskins fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Johnson, who has history with coach Jay Gruden thanks to their time in Tampa and Cincinnati, might have an opportunity to get in the game if Sanchez falters again.
NFL Workout Updates: 12/4/18
Here is the latest from the workout circuit. All links to NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account, unless otherwise noted.
Arizona Cardinals
- LB Jonathan Anderson, WR Daniel Braverman, WR Malachi Dupre, OT Justin Evans, LB Josh Keyes, LB Korey Toomer
Buffalo Bills
- WR WR Da’Mari Scott (visit)
Carolina Panthers
- OT Isaiah Battle, S Quin Blanding, WR Daryl Boggan, LB Jonathan Celestin, S Marwin Evans, LB Kennan Gilchrist, TE DeAndre Goolsby, DT Woodrow Hamilton, CB Bryce Jones, WR Andre Levrone, S Kai Nacua, DE Whitney Richardson, QB Brogan Roback, CB Henre’ Toliver, RB Terron Ward, LB Antwione Williams, OT Darrell Williams, DE Jonathan Wynn
Detroit Lions
- RB Mack Brown, RB Demario Richard, RB Justin Stockton
Green Bay Packers
- S Tray Matthews, LB Dadi Nicolas, DE Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, S Jason Thompson
Indianapolis Colts
- WR Tanner McEvoy, WR Jordan Veasy
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
- LB James Burgess, LB Sam Eguavoen, LB Corey Nelson
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers
- RB Joel Bouagnon, RB Kenneth Farrow
Washington Redskins
- OG Zac Kerin, OG Chris Scott