Alex Smith suffers concussion vs. Indianapolis Colts

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) signals his team during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) signals his team during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Alex Smith hit his head on a tackle from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson. Smith has a concussion.

Early in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs’ road game against the Indianapolis Colts, Chiefs starting quarterback Alex Smith hit his head on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf on a Edwin Jackson tackle.

Smith got up look all sorts of woozy. He seems to have a concussion and this forced Chiefs backup Nick Foles into the ball game in the first quarter in Indianapolis.

Smith completed three of six passes for 45 yards before giving way to Foles. Foles isn’t as skilled as Smith, but he is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL. He is very familiar with what head coach Andy Reid wants to do on offensive. Reid drafted Foles out of the University of Arizona back when they both worked for the Philadelphia Eagles.

In short, Foles is certainly good enough to lead the Chiefs to victory in a tough road environment in Indianapolis. The biggest question how long will Smith be out for Kansas City?

Kansas City plays in the toughest division in football in the AFC West. All four teams in that division are capable of reaching the AFC Playoffs at season’s end. The divisional and AFC Wild Card races will go down to the wire in the AFC West.

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If Smith misses ample time due to being in the NFL’s concussion protocol, it might jeopardize the Chiefs’ playoff hopes with the Denver Broncos, the Oakland Raiders, and the San Diego Chargers playing solid ball at the halfway point in 2016. Smith is key to the Chiefs’ 2016 Playoffs dream.