Alex Smith’s lower leg injury was a compound fracture, meaning the bone broke through the skin, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The Washington quarterback underwent surgery Sunday night, and trauma surgeons discovered a spiral fracture, defined as a long bone broken by a rotational force.
Washington coach Jay Gruden said Monday that surgery went well, and the team expects a full recovery.
Gruden said Smith faces a 6-8 month rehab.
Washington officially placed Smith on injured reserve Monday and signed Mark Sanchez to take his roster spot. Colt McCoy will start Thanksgiving Day in a first-place NFC East showdown against the Cowboys.
Smith, 34, finished his first season in Washington with a 6-4 record, a 62.5 completion percentage, 2,180 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.