Alex Smith's return to the field is one of the best moments we've seen this season. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

NFL world reacts to Alex Smith playing in first game since 2018

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 10/11/20

The Washington Football Team’s decision to bench starting quarterback Dwayne Haskins for Kyle Allen leading up to their Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams was not too much of a surprise. Haskins has been terrible as a sophomore.

However, it was surprising to see Alex Smith take over as Washington’s No. 2 quarterback. The former Super Bowl signal-caller was active Sunday for the first time since he suffered a terrible leg injury back on Nov. 18, 2018. It’s an injury that required 17 different surgeries and almost cost Smith his life.

Allen went down with a head injury in the first half of Sunday’s game. Enter into the equation Mr. Smith. He took to the field for the first time in nearly two years. It was a sight to behold.

Alex Smith is back on the field for the first time since Nov. 18 of 2018. pic.twitter.com/UkcNwZBkTf
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) October 11, 2020

From life-threatening injury to playing in an actual football game. This shows us just how tough Smith is. Now 15 years removed from being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Smith’s career has come full circle. What an amazing story.

The NFL world also had its reactions.

NFL fans seeing Alex Smith play again @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/qErDBCHfdn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 11, 2020

Watching Alex Smith take the field pic.twitter.com/RKNyJNh6wZ
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) October 11, 2020

With his family watching..Alex Smith’s incredible journey back to playing is complete. Remarkable pic.twitter.com/vlXlQJ7psH
— trey wingo (@wingoz) October 11, 2020

Who isn't rooting for Alex Smith right now. His kids are on board!
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) October 11, 2020

Alex Smith is IN the game. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/C7otUjOaJM
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 11, 2020

17 surgeries and two years away from the game. Alex Smith is back on the field at QB.

Never give up. pic.twitter.com/Onr70aipwh
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 11, 2020

QB Alex Smith is now in the game.

He's back!
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) October 11, 2020

Alex Smith is playing in an NFL game for the first time since November 2018
— Sunday Night Football (@SNFonNBC) October 11, 2020

Wow:
11/11/2020, 2:19 PM ET, Alex Smith takes a snap in an #NFL game for the first time since his career-threatening injury. That's his family watching. pic.twitter.com/6OMz54dkJk
— Mike Sando (@SandoNFL) October 11, 2020