The Washington Redskins started week 11 leading the NFC East but their season took a turn for the worst when they lost starting quarterback Alex Smith to an injury. There will be further questions asked of the Redskins as to whether or not they can sustain the pace at the top of the NFC East.

Washington Redskins Lose Alex Smith To Injury

Smith suffered his injury when he was sacked by safety Kareem Jackson on a 3rd-and-9 at the Houston Texans 24-yard line. The injury forced Smith to make the dreaded trip into the trainer’s room.

Those watching NFL Redzone would have witnessed Smith laying on the field in discomfort. At first glance, it looked like Smith had broken his leg. The Redskins’ social media team tweeted that Smith had suffered an ankle injury.

QB Alex Smith has been listed out with an ankle injury. #HOUvsWAS

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 18, 2018

Up until that play, Smith wasn’t having the best of games. The Redskins signal caller was 12-of-27 throwing for 135 yards and two picks. NFL Insider Ian Rapport gave a further update on Smith’s injury.

Potential bad news for the #Redskins: QB Alex Smith suffers what looks to be a very serious leg injury. He’s been carted off, air cast on his leg, and Colt McCoy is in.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2018

Head Coach Jay Gruden turned to Colt McCoy who will lead the Redskins offense for what looks like the foreseeable future. McCoy is somewhat of a journeyman in the NFL. The eight-year pro spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns and a season with the San Francisco 49ers. The 32-year-old joined the Redskins in 2014 and has played just eight games for Washington, including four starts in 2014.

At the time of writing, McCoy stepped up to the mark finding Jordan Reed in the back of the end-zone for a nine-yard touchdown.

Redskins fans have everything to fear if Smith is placed on IR. Backup quarterbacks are placed down the pecking order for a reason. McCoy has not finished a season with a QBR rating of more than 53.0. That’s a worry for a team with hopes of playing football in January.

Last Word

Stats can be deceptive but they seldom sway from the truth. The Redskins’ defense has been playing well but the offense is going to have to put in a shift to maintain their status as divisional leaders. Washington lost the game 23-21 and fall to 6-4. Football can be a very cruel sport.

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