Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith is finally home from the hospital, his return to football relatively promising but still uncertain.
Smith sent a "thumbs up" message in a photo his wife posted on Instagram on Sunday morning. It showed him sitting in front of a Christmas tree at their home.
"This last month has been a difficult ride," Elizabeth Smith wrote. "Our family is beyond happy to have this man with us and home."
Because of an infection that reportedly required multiple procedures, Smith, 34, spent more time in the hospital than anticipated after he suffered a gruesome leg injury during a game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 18. He broke the tibia and fibula in his right leg, and it was reported that the bone broke through the skin, which increases the risk of infection.
Last week, the team issued a statement after reports surfaced about the infection. The team on Dec. 6 described his injury as "serious" and asked that "everyone please honor the Smith family's request for privacy at this time," while providing no specifics on Smith's situation.
Earlier in the week, a large group of players took a team bus to the hospital to visit him. "We all just assured him, 'Hey, we're praying for you, man,' and wished him the best for him," running back Adrian Peterson said. "That's all we can do."
Injury update
• Chicago safety Eddie Jackson was injured during his interception in the fourth quarter of the Bears' victory over Green Bay. Jackson had to be helped off with a sprained right ankle after his leg bent awkwardly as he tried to slide.
• Packers running back Aaron Jones left because of a knee injury in the first quarter and receiver Randall Cobb was evaluated for a concussion following a hard hit by Jackson.
