NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweets that "optimism is waning" about Washington QB Alex Smith's availability for today's game vs. the Panthers. Smith put in a full practice on Friday, but it sounds like he was sore the next day. QB Dwayne Haskins is in line for another start.

QB Alex Smith announced his retirement on Monday. The 36-year-old impressively made it back on the field from a devastating leg injury in 2018 -- although he was clearly limited in his 8 appearances last season. The #1 pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, Smith hangs 'em up with 35,650 career passing yards, 199 TDs and 109 INTs.

Washington is set to release QB Alex Smith, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, saving nearly $15 million against the 2021 salary cap. Kudos to Smith for getting back on the field in 2020, but he looked like a shell of himself, averaging just 6.3 yards per attempt with 6 TDs vs. 8 INTs. The 36-year-old has said that he wants to continue playing, so we'll see where he lands. Taylor Heinicke is now the only QB on Washington's roster. The team will certainly add to the depth chart via free agency and/or the draft.

NFL.com reports that Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) will be inactive for tonight's game against the Buccaneers. That means Taylor Heinicke will start in his place. Heinicke fared well against Carolina in Week 16 in relief of Dwayne Haskins, completing 12 of 19 throws for 137 yards and a TD. But he has logged just 1 career NFL start. The matchup is terrific for Tampa Bay's defense, even without MLB Devin White. A healthy Heinicke, though, might be better for Washington's pass-catchers than the injured Smith we saw at Philly last week.

Washington "will have more answers in the morning, but there is a real chance QB Taylor Heinicke ends up starting" Saturday night's game against the Buccaneers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith is still dealing with a "sore" calf that "hasn't loosened up." Rapoport adds that Heinicke took most of the 1st-team snaps in practice this week. The takeaway here is that you should avoid Washington's offense where possible. Players such as TE Logan Thomas and RB J.D. McKissic present reception upside for DFS use, regardless of who plays QB.

Washington QB Alex Smith (calf) put in 2 limited practices this week and is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game vs. the Bucs. HC Ron Rivera hasn't committed to Smith being ready for this one and has mentioned the possibility of rotating Smith and QB Taylor Heinicke. It's a situation to avoid in fantasy lineups.