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Alex Smith returns to the field for Washington Football Team nearly 2 years after devastating injury

Alex Smith’s remarkable comeback is complete.

Smith took the field for Washington after starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured an arm on a hit by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This marks Smith’s first NFL game action in 693 days, as he broke his right tibia and fibula in gruesome fashion on this field 23 months ago.

The now 36-year-old quarterback completed a 6-yard screen pass to J.D. McKissic on his first snap since Nov. 18, 2018. Smith was cleared to practice in August and became the backup when coach Ron Rivera benched Dwayne Haskins and demoted the 2019 first-round pick to third on the depth chart.

Smith’s career was in jeopardy when he was injured two seasons ago and underwent 17 surgeries. He also survived a life-threatening infection and was in the hospital for month.

Rivera said this week he was confident putting Smith in a game because doctors gave the green light. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner said Smith had not been hit in practice to prepare him.

His first contact against the Rams was a sack by Aaron Donald. Smith got up and jogged off the field

Smith was 1 of 2 for 6 yards. Allen is questionable to return.

Here are the important 2023 NFL offseason dates fans should know

Important 2023 NFL offseason dates fans should know originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonThe NFL is currently in the thick of its offseason, but there are still plenty of key dates to circle before the 2023 season kicks off on September 7.Here are important offseason dates to know...2023 NFL Offseason Key DatesMarch 13-15: NFL teams are permitted to begin negotiating with prospective free agents, but no deals can be signed just yet.March 15: New league year begins at 4 p.m. Free agents are now permitted to sign contracts with clubs.March 26-29: Annual league meetings in PhoenixApril 3: Teams with new head coaches (Carolina, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis and Arizona) can begin offseason workout programsApril 17: Teams with returning head coaches can begin offseason workout programsApril 26-29: 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City May 2: Deadline to exercise fifth-year options on first-round picks from the 2020 NFL DraftMay 5-8 or May 12-15: Teams can hold three-day rookie camps for draft picks and undrafted free agentsMay 22: First day of OTAs for select teams. Clubs are allowed to hold 10 total on-field practices, but no live contact is allowed.May 22-24: NFL spring league meetingsJune 6: Start of mandatory minicamp for select teams. Clubs are allowed to have three mandatory practices.July 17: Deadline for teams with franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term contract extension. Teams are not allowed to re-engage in negotiations with a franchise player after this date until the conclusion of the 2023 season.August 3-6: NFL kickoff weekend in Canton, OhioSeptember 7: Opening game of the 2023 NFL regular season
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