No chance at this point his Wife signs off on it
No chance at this point a medical professional signs off on it
No chance at this point an NFL front office signs off of on it
No chance at this point a HC signs off on it
No chance at this point his AGENT signs off on it.
I said at this point because I GUESS things could change as it heals, but I just don't see it. The fact that he can play catch with is kids is a victory. I think Alex is smart enough to understand that.
I do think it would be cool to see him in uniform and allow him to take a snap in victory formation or something to that extent. That is very unlikely as roster spots are so valuable, especially on Sundays, so dressing Alex Smith for the extent of a game hoping that we have the ball with the clock winding down and a lead so that scenario could come to fruition is a stretch. Maybe next year if we are in a meaningless game in week 17/18, but it's highly unlikely.
Due respect brother, but despite watching the horror of what he's gone through, I think you may be wrong. First question I'll ask is, if they gave him zero chance of returning, why wouldn't they have done an injury settlement with him, wished him the best, and moved on. They could still do that of course, but it seems odd to me that they haven't yet. I don't think they are ruling out a return. Is it a steep climb? Yes. Is it impossible - I don't think so. Here's why.
Smith's injury and all of the complications he suffered were truly horrific. We're in shock because now we've seen how bad it was. But as bad as it was, at it's core, Smith suffered a broken leg. A terribly broken leg, but a broken leg. Bones eventually heal. He's probably got a significant amount of titanium hardware there. The bone itself may be stronger now (in terms of being at risk for a break) than previously. Only the surgeons/MDs know how well it has healed. The other issue, and it's no small one, is the muscle/tissue loss requiring grafting, and how much function he has had returned. Beyond the healing of that bone, and the strength and function he'll get back, there are no issues. He almost lost the leg (and potentially his life) because of infection. He's at no more risk long-term for those things than we are.
So it really comes down to a couple things. How well has that leg healed, and how functional is that repaired leg? If he ever does play again, it certainly won't be in the style he played before. He's not going to be taking off down the field at will.
The NFL can't 'stop' him from playing.
His wife clearly understands her husband the that 'drive' and 'fire' she spoke about in 'Project 11'. She won't be able to stop him from trying to come back. It's already in progress.
The team physicians, if he is healed, won't be able to find anything medical to rule him out.
Why would the agent want to stop him?
And the only thing the coaches care about is whether he can perform.
That's really the question. Can he perform given the state of that leg and his functional abilities post-recovery?
'No chance'? Not ready to say that, particularly from a medical viewpoint. I actually think the psychological aspect might be a bigger factor. You can't play in fear at that position, and how could he not have been traumatized by what he's been through? He is one tough SOB - I'll give him that.
I sort of hope you're right and he calls it a career. He's been through enough without putting his body through any more punishment.