Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Smith enters game for Washington Football Team in emotional return

Talk about an emotional moment for Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith

The veteran quarterback made his return to the football field during the second quarter of Sunday's Week 5 matchup between Washington and the Los Angeles Rams after suffering what could have been a career-ending injury in 2018. 

Smith entered the game with two minutes remaining in the second quarter after Kyle Allen suffered an injury. As his family gave him a standing ovation, he completed his first pass since Nov. 18, 2018 for six yards. 

The 36-year-old was active for Sunday's game as Allen's backup after head coach Ron Rivera opted to bench Dwayne Haskins. 

Smith broke his leg in 2018 after being sacked by J.J. Watt and another Houston Texans player. Watt converged with cornerback Kareem Jackson as they tackled the Washington QB.

The impact from the tackle fractured multiple bones in Smith's leg, and his recovery process was horrific. He suffered from sepsis, which nearly killed him; spent a month in the hospital; three months in a wheel chair; and eight months in an external fixator. He had 17 surgeries in nine months.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Former teammate warns Tee Higgins about pitfalls of playing on franchise tag
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move