How to handle Alex Smith injury in Week 16 fantasy football

Game status: Smith is INACTIVE for Week 16.

11:30 a.m. update: Alex Smith will not start on Sunday against Carolina, per Ian Rapoport. Dwayne Haskins will get the start for one more week.

Game day update: Alex Smith appears to be trending the wrong direction to play on Sunday, per Ian Rapoport. He will be examined Sunday morning before the game, but if he cannot go, Dwayne Haskins will get the start.

Alex Smith got in a full practice on Friday, taking most of the first team reps. Despite that, he is still listed as questionable on the Washington Football Team’s official injury report ahead of this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers, and we may not know for sure whether he’ll start until closer to kickoff on Sunday afternoon.

Fantasy impact: Alex Smith (calf)

Head coach Ron Rivera said that he could make a decision about Smith’s status on Saturday, but he also reserved the right to hold off until Sunday to make that call. Whether he plays or not, it’s going to be a tough week for whoever starts at quarterback. The Football Team is likely going to be without its No. 1 wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, who is listed as doubtful.

If Smith can’t play, Dwayne Haskins would get the start in his place. You can definitely avoid Haskins in fantasy lineups this week, and there’s really not enough upside for Smith to justify starting him over other more viable streaming options.