Don Wright/Associated PressContinue below for updates.
Smith to Play vs. Panthers
Monday, Nov. 7
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters Smith will start in Week 10 against Carolina.
Reid Receives Support for Decision to Hold Smith Out vs. Jaguars
Sunday, Nov. 6
However, ESPN.com's Adam Teicher noted Sunday that Smith is "likely to be available" in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. Teicher also reported comments from Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt on his medical staff's handling of Smith's injury:
I'm pleased with our staff and the process worked out. I think (trainer) Rick Burkholder and the doctors made the right decision not to let Alex back in the game even though he had passed the protocol the second time. There's an opportunity to raise questions and say 'Did they miss something on the first test?' Our doctors and our trainers don't believe that.
"Despite remaining asymptomatic of a concussion after taking two significant blows to the head last Sunday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid, with the full support of management, trainers and ownership, opted to sit [Smith] out this week largely as a precaution, team sources said," reported La Canfora on Sunday, who added:
Smith was able to practice vigorously, running the scout team all week, sources said, and all of this cognitive tests cleared him to play. But the club wanted to err on the side of safety and eliminate an unforeseen setback for Smith that would leave the Chiefs shorthanded at quarterback. ...
Privately, the decision was heralded inside the NFLPA as a forward-thinking and proactive approach to potential brain injuries. The initial review of what took place last Sunday, in-game and since, has led the union to see no reason to ask the league for an official review into how the concussion protocol was applied last week, sources said.
Smith indicated he did not feel as though he suffered a concussion, per Kissel.
Burkholder Comments on Smith's Injury
Monday, Oct. 31
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters Smith has no symptoms of a concussion Monday and that he was removed from Sunday's game out of precaution.
Burkholder also said the team did not believe the quarterback had a concussion when he was hit sliding during the first quarter. Burkholder noted Smith went to the locker room for a cut on his ear and passed further tests at that point.
Smith Has Blossomed Under Reid in Kansas City
Smith entered 2016 coming off one of the best years of his career, setting a new career high with 3,486 passing yards last season. He did extremely well to limit turnovers, throwing just seven interceptions compared to 20 touchdowns. It was the fifth consecutive season in which he threw for single-digit interceptions.
He's also become one of the more intelligent quarterbacks in the game, constantly changing up the offense in order to get the most out of it when there are noteworthy absences from players like injury-prone running back Jamaal Charles.
With above-average speed for a quarterback, Smith has also used his legs to his advantage, whether it's extending a play or making something out of nothing for a positive gain, as ESPN Stats & Info highlighted:
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo@SportsTalkofKC Alex Smith led the league with 12 scrambles for 1st down on 3rd down #NFLstatchat
For the season, Smith has racked up 1,638 yards and eight touchdowns to go with two interceptions.
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