Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Smith suffered what looked like one of the most gruesome football injuries of the season on Sunday, and it has become clear that it was every bit as horrifying as it appeared.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said after Washington’s 23-21 loss to Houston that Smith suffered a broken tibia and fibula and will undergo surgery. On Monday, Adam Schefter shared some details about the injury that are easy to understand, but far more difficult to digest.

You could tell by the way the NFL community responded to Smith’s injury that it was almost as bad as it gets, but that description really puts it into perspective. Fortunately, Smith’s injury is not considered career-threatening, though he will obviously have plenty of work to do in order to get back to full strength.

Smith will turn 35 this offseason, and Washington committed $71 million guaranteed to him last summer. He should be their starter going forward as long as he has a smooth recovery.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant

Want more Commanders news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.