Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith left early in the first quarter of Week 8 after taking a hit to the head against the Indianapolis Colts.
Entering Week 8 of the 2016 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs looked like they might be hitting their stride. Playing great football, they seemed ready to stay in the tough, tight fight atop the AFC West all season. And a big reason why has been the consistent solid play of quarterback Alex Smith. However, it appears they may be without that consistency for the immediate future.
As the Chiefs were taking on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8, Smith was trying to get a drive started early to put his team up early on the road. While scrambling and trying to pick up yardage, the quarterback gave himself up with a slide. That didn’t stop a Colts defender from coming in and hitting him right in the head, though.
Here’s a look at the nasty hit:
Alex Smith got drilled and got up wobbly. #chiefs #colts https://t.co/iokVmtrIxz
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) October 30, 2016
As if that wasn’t bad enough, there was no penalty called on the play.
Alex Smith got up from the play woozy and immediately went to the sidelines.
Alex Smith is going out. Straight to the bench area.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 30, 2016
Nick Foles is coming in.
Chiefs backup Nick Foles came into the game for Smith. Though we don’t know the extent of the injury, it’s pretty clear that Smith is being evaluated for a concussion considering the nature of the hit and how he got up from it. This would be a huge blow to the Chiefs as Smith has been doing masterful work at quarterback, even if he’s still labeled a game-manager.
We’ll keep you updated as information becomes available.
Update, 1:21 p.m. ET
.@Chiefs QB Alex Smith heading to the locker room after that hit by #colts defender pic.twitter.com/rFcLn51zip
— Mykal McEldowney (@mykalmphoto) October 30, 2016
Alex Smith is back in the locker room being further evaluated.
Update, 2:11 p.m. ET
Alex Smith back in for the #chiefs
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 30, 2016
The Chiefs have their starting quarterback in the game once again.
Update, 3:04 p.m. ET
Alex Smith just had his already likely concussed head slammed into the turf by Colts defender. #Chiefs https://t.co/xkYwWfO3p5
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) October 30, 2016
Smith took another big hit and his head slammed into the turf. He’s out once again with a possible concussion.