Alex Smith reportedly will not be ready for start of next season

The Washington Redskins may need to open next season with a backup quarterback.

Alex Smith suffered a compound fracture in his leg after a sack last weekend against Houston. Though the injury is not expected to be career-threatening, it could delay Smith’s availability at the beginning of the 2019 season.

FOX’s Jay Glazer reported that Smith will be out 8-10 months and won’t be ready for the start of the season.

Jay Glazer on FOX says Alex Smith is going to be out 8-10 months, not 6-8. Glazer: "He's not going to be ready for the start of next season."

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) November 22, 2018

The 34-year-old is still under contract through 2022 and had $71 million guaranteed as part of the deal. The team also faces the prospect of losing Colt McCoy in free agency after the season.