Alex Smith Has To Be The Comeback Player Of The Year

After the dust settled in Detroit for a 30-27 Lions victory over Washington, it finally hit us: Alex Smith is better than ever. It's been 728 days since Smith last started an NFL football game, and today he set a career-high for yards in a game (390). Regardless of what happens going forward, Alex Smith has to be the 2020 Comeback Player of The Year.

Last week's 325-yard performance makes for back-to-back 300-yard games in the air for the first time in his career. Washington saw the same gruesome leg injury we witnessed that almost cost Smith his life, and they trusted him with a bigger role than he ever had. Alex Smith rewarded Washington's faith in him in a big way.

Of course, we were all hoping this would happen, but were naturally worried when we saw that first footage of Smith being cleared by team doctors. Smith seemed to be walking with a heavy limp and he shut us right up with his play on the field. Couldn't be any happier to see our worries be put to bed.

What's next for Alex Smith?

Alex Smith sees the Bengals next week and that sets the table nicely for another encore. With 17 surgeries under his belt the past two years, there's no doubt his goal of inspiring his children was a success. Alex is an inspiration to all professional athletes all the way down to Pee Wee.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game that most football players live with. The average NFL career lasts just 4 seasons, and injuries play a major factor in that figure.

Even future Hall-of-Famer Adrian Peterson had to stop by postgame to pay his respects on this long journey.

Welcome back to the NFL, Alex. You deserve it.