Back To Save The Season: Washington's Alex Smith Returns To Practice

It's win-and-in time for the Washington Football Team, and hey, finally there's some good news.

After sitting out practice Wednesday, starting quarterback Alex Smith has returned to take snaps with the first-teamers. Considering Washington needs a victory Sunday night vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, and has been at its best with Smith as QB, his presence is a welcome sight.

Should Washington (6-9) lose to the lowly Eagles, the winner of the Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants tilt will be awarded the NFC East's lone playoff bid. Yes, either the Cowboys or Giants could make the playoffs -- with a 6-10 record -- and host a first-round game.

Anyway, Washington has been able to take care of business behind Smith, who rescued the team after Dwayne Haskins quarterbacked it into the sewer. Haskins has since been released, though that decision may not have been based entirely on his lousy play. Hitting the strip club without a mask also likely played a role.

Despite Smith not practicing Wednesday, coach Ron Rivera sounded confident that the veteran signal caller would play anyway. Smith, 36, has been battling hamstring and ankle issues this season.

“Specific guys, like him, are the kind of guys that they can watch, they can absorb, and they can get it. And they can go out and play well,” Rivera said. “So I’m not worried about that.”

Taylor Heinicke, who replaced Haskins in last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers, is behind Smith on the depth chart and will start if it turns out Smith can't go.