Alex Smith Reportedly Unlikely to Be Ready for Start of 2019 After Leg Injury

Alex Smith is "unlikely" to be ready to start the 2019 season following surgery on his broken right leg and an infection in that leg that has kept him hospitalized, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Per that report, doctors have had to remove some of the "plates and implants" inserted into Smith's leg and clean them to combat the infection. Rapoport also noted that Smith's future in the NFL remains in question given the severity of the injury.

Smith, 34, broke the fibula and tibia in his leg during a 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11. He has had multiple surgeries on the leg, with Dianna Russini of ESPN.com previously reporting that it was feared his career could be over.

"I'll continue to pray for him," Washington running back Adrian Peterson said Thursday. "We had the opportunity to see him last week. We all just [assured] him we're praying for you, man, and wishing the best for him. That's all we can do."

"He's the most resilient man I ever met," Washington tight end Vernon Davis added. "An injury like this, I'm sure he'll work through it. He'll get through it. He's optimistic about everything. If I know him, I know how he'll handle everything. I'll just keep him in my prayers and hope for the best."

In 10 games for Washington this season, Smith threw for 2,180 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 62.5 percent of his passes. He was traded to Washington in the offseason after spending the previous five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft and has been selected to three Pro Bowls.