Andy Reid said on Tuesday that NFL tampering rules prohibit him from contacting and sending best wishes to Alex Smith, the Washington quarterback whose season ended with a gruesome injury in Sunday's game against the Texans.
"Help me out here," Reid, the Chiefs coach, said on a conference call with reporters a day after the 54-51 loss to the Los Angeles Rams when asked about Smith by ESPN's Adam Teicher. Smith played five seasons for Reid here in Kansas City.
"My prayers are with him for sure," Reid said of Smith. "I think the world of that guy."
Smith suffered a broken tibia and fibula after he dropped back to pass and was wrapped up by Kareem Jackson and then hit by J.J. Watt. As he fell to the ground, Smith's right leg caught the turf and twisted awkwardly. Surgery will be required.
On Monday, Washington coach Jay Gruden said Smith faces a recovery time of six to eight months, which would put him on pace to return to training camp next season if he fully recovers and wants to play. Smith, in his 14th year, turns 35 in May.
"If he wants to be back, he'll be back," Reid said. "That's the way he's wired."
Smith, traded by the Chiefs after last season, had led Washington a 6-3 record entering the Texans game.
