Signed just last week, Alex Smith make his debut with the Redskins on Sunday, totaling 23 snaps in Washington's key 35-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
They say you can never truly be in football shape without being immersed in the game, but new Washington Redskins tight end Alex Smith said he felt pretty good on Sunday.
The Washington Redskins on Tuesday announced the signing of 11-year veteran tight end Alex Smith. Take a look at his career through the years.
Playing in his first game this season since being signed by the team last Tuesday, Smith appeared in 16 of the offense's 57 snaps while also being in on seven special teams plays in the Redskins' 35-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
"I definitely had my soreness throughout the week, but I was able to bounce back and be in pretty good shape for the game," Smith said. "Was able to make it out without too many bumps or bruises. Looking forward to next week."
Smith described his return to action as an "awesome feeling."
An 11-year veteran out of Stanford, Smith wasn't in the league for the first 14 weeks of the season after being released by the New Orleans Saints in training camp.
At 33 years old, Smith's chances of resurfacing in the NFL were slim, but with the Redskins, having a need at tight end yet again following Derek Carrier's season-ending injury, gave him a call for a tryout.
Smith had familiarity with Redskins head coach Jay Gruden's system, as he played under him for two seasons in Cincinnati while Gruden was the Bengals' offensive coordinator.
Smith said it was an "awesome feeling to be out there right in the middle of things" Sunday afternoon at FedExField.
"Definitely think there's some things I can clean up, you know, just get my feet back in the ground, pads low, all those things that you work on over time," he said. "I was pleased with where I started and only want to grow from here."
Smith comes at a time when the Redskins are seeking a solid blocking tight end to complement Jordan Reed.
Reed, of course, had yet another big day on Sunday, recording seven receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
"I've been around this league for a long time, and I've seen a lot of players. When I first got here, I told him, 'Even before I was on this team, I had been watching [you]," Smith said. "I told him, 'You're something special.' If I can aid him in any way and get him to the top, I think the sky's the limit for him and if I'm able to do that, I'd feel great about that as well."
As for Smith, he's hoping he can continue to provide sound blocking in the run game.
On Sunday, the Redskins toppled 100 yards, led by Alfred Morris's 84.
"We have so many targets. It starts with running the ball," Smith said. "If we can get a good running game going, that just opens it up for the guys in the back end. You saw what DeSean [Jackson] was able to do. Like you said, Jordan had a big game. Our offense keys off their running game, [with the] play action pass. If we can get that going, that's big for us."
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