Washington 'Optimistic' Alex Smith And His Storybook Season Will March On Vs. Seattle

Not long ago, the starting quarterback for the Washington Football Team didn't really qualify as news. But Alex Smith has changed all that, as Washington has won four straight and become a player in the chase for the playoffs.

Smith was pulled from Washington's win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday with what the team called a "calf strain" and coach Ron Rivera called an "abundance of caution." Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Washington is "optimistic" that Smith can start this weekend vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

Meanwhile, Rivera offered no real update on Smith on Monday, saying only that backup QB Dwayne Haskins will be ready if needed. Haskins finished the win over the Niners.

But the bigger news is Smith, who at 36 years old has somehow helped Washington to a 6-7 record and first place in the NFC East. Yes, most of the winning has been the result of the defense, but Smith has been steady and kept mistakes to a minimum. All of it is happening just two years after his leg was broken in two places. Multiple surgeries and a dangerous infection ensued, and most around the league just assumed Smith's career was over.

That's been far from the case this year, and suddenly, Smith and Washington are playing for something meaningful again. It's a cool story for a team with no name and few expectations.

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Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.