As the playoff race intensifies in the NFL, a lot of eyes will be on the NFC East. With the race for the division being a four-team affair, this Sunday could be a season-defining gameweek.

The Washington Football Team and the New York Giants are two teams vying for that top spot. And for both, there are some doubts regarding their starting quarterbacks.

While Washington’s Alex Smith hobbled off against the San Francisco 49ers, the G-men have issues of their own set of trouble with Daniel Jones.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport, during a segment of the NFL Network’s GMFB, cleared the air surrounding some speculations about the same. 

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This season has seen the revival of Alex Smith. After suffering a terrible leg fracture back in 2018, the comeback Smith started off on a quest to become Washington’s starting QB, a truly commendable attitude.

The 36-year-old QB, however, was missing from the action during the second half against the 49ers due to a calf strain. Rapoport said that X-rays showed no signs of serious damage but underlined that rest is key for Smith.

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“Let’s start with Alex Smith, the Washington Football Team’s quarterback who has led them to be a Top-10 offense ever since he came into the starting lineup about five games ago. He’s dealing with a calf strain. They took X-rays after the game and they were negative,” said Rapoport.

“He’s been walking around the facility at least and was seen walking around on Monday, and didn’t seem to be in a ton of pain.

“And the fact that he was just able to do that without really limping is a good sign towards his availability this Sunday… Rest is the important thing here rather than just getting him out on the field.”

Rapoport noted that Haskins is ready to take over if needed, but the early signs look promising for Smith.

Daniel Jones’ race to be fit  

Giants QB Daniel Jones, on the other hand, played through an injury on Sunday and looked far from 100%. Jones, who’s picked up a hamstring injury against the Cincinnati Bengals, was a far cry from his former self as his Giants were routed 26-7 by the Cardinals.

“Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury and did not look great in the Giants’ loss last Sunday. But the main thing here for the G-men is that he did not re-injure himself, so that’s good,” said Rapoport.

With a crucial game against the resurgent Cleveland Browns up next, the Giants will hope for Jones to be back to his usual best.

“They expect him to be better when he gets to the field on Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns. That is the expectation. Practice this week early, feels a little better, and to get out on the field and start closer to full strength on Sunday,” Rapoport said.

For both teams, each game from here on out is a championship game. A must-win. Both QBs have their work cut out for them. Now, it’s a race against the clock to get fit.

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