Alex Smith inactive vs. Buccaneers in what could be final game of his career

Alex Smith is inactive for WFT vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Ron Rivera’s team will start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.

Alex Smith will always be believed by the Washington Football Team fanbase. After nearly suffering a career-ending injury, Smith returned to action for the first time in two years.

Behind a 5-1 start, the Football Team improved to 7-9 on the year, winning the NFC East. As they prepare for their first playoff game since 2015, Smith will be watching like the rest of the country.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith will be inactive for the team’s Wild Card Round outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Taylor Heinicke will get the call against Tom Brady and the NFC South franchise at home.

Smith dealing with a sore calf all week following the Week 17 finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. In his first start back since Week 14, the 38-year-old took three sacks from the Eagles’ front-seven in a 20-14 victory.

Now, the Football Team will be on their fourth quarterback this season, and one many believed would be on the free agent market for most of the season.

Heinicke will decide Washington’s playoff fate

Heinicke, a four-year veteran who recently spent time in The XFL, came in for relief for former first-round quarterback Dwyane Haskins against the Carolina Panthers. He went 12-of-19 for 137 yards with a touchdown, but the Football Team lost to Ron Rivera‘s former team.

Haskins was released the following day.

The Buccaneers have been red hot on offense this season thanks to Brady. The team is expected to be at full-strength after it was ruled that Mike Evans would be cleared to play. The Pro Bowl wide receiver suffered a knee injury in the season finale against Atlanta last Sunday.

For Smith, this could be the end of his career. One has to give respect to the veteran trying to return to action. However, should his career be done, no one could ever deny his mental strength to make his dream of playing once more a reality.