Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention, Eagles fans still have some solid interest in Sunday's divisional matchup with Washington. A win could knock them down to No. 10 in the draft order, while a loss and some help could see them land as high as No. 3 overall.
Washington, of course, is fighting for a playoff spot. Must be nice.
So Thursday's news from Washington's practice field has both fanbases paying attention, because when the burgundy-and-gold first team offense took snaps, a familiar face was under center: Alex Smith.
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Smith has been the team's starter since Week 10 this season, racking up a 4-1 record, but he hasn't played since suffering a right leg injury in Week 14 against the 49ers.
After Washington released second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins earlier this week, Smith's status is of great importance to Sunday's game. If Smith is unable to go, career journeyman Taylor Heinicke would likely be the team's starting quarterback. Heinicke completed 12 of 19 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to Carolina after replacing Haskins.
Smith wasn't exactly lighting it up individually before the injury, throwing 3 TDs and 3 INTs while averaging 6.2 yards per attempt over his five starts. But he was completing 66% of his passes, and he has experience in high-stakes games around this time of year, so I'd say he still gives Washington the best chance to win on Sunday.
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On top of rooting for the veteran's health and well-being, Eagles fans and Washington fans should both be glad to see Smith out there moving around well.
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