Alex Smith injury brings back terrible memories for Joe Theismann

Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Legendary quarterback Joe Theismann knew exactly how Alex Smith felt when the Washington Redskins quarterback suffered season-ending injuries in Week 11.

The quarterbacks both suffered similar injuries on the same day while playing for the same team, but the left leg injuries occurred 33 years apart.

Smith was carted off of the field in the third quarter of the Redskins' loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. He suffered a fractured fibula and tibia while taking a sack.

Theismann went down on Nov. 18, 1985 fracturing his leg while being sacked by Hall of Fame defender Lawrence Taylor. That was the last game he ever appeared in during his decorated career.

"Alex's leg is exactly like mine 33 years ago," Theismann tweeted Sunday. "I feel so bad for him."

Smith is slated for "immediate" emergency surgery on the injuries.

"I know it was very painful for him and heartbreaking for a lot of people," Redskins coach Jay Gruden told reporters. "He's a great guy and a hard worker and one of the key leaders on this football team. These things happen in pro football unfortunately. You just hate to see them happen to a guy like Alex. Knowing the type of guy he is, I think he'll bounce back."

Vernon Davis -- a longtime Smith teammate -- called the quarterback the "most resilient person" he has ever met.

"Like I said before, in my heart, the compassion is there of course, because I played with him so long, he's like a brother and to see him go down and suffer is like, why not me? Maybe I should suffer and let him continue out there and do his job and help the team win, because I know how bad he wants it," Davis said.

"I know how much work he's put in, starting from San Francisco, going to Kansas City, he's worked extremely hard, he's resilient. He's the most resilient person I've ever met. He's been through so much and to see him at this level now is a treat and it's great to see, so I wish him nothing but the best."

Smith completed 12-of-27 pass attempts for 135 yards before the injury. He failed to throw a touchdown and tossed two interceptions in the loss. The three-time Pro Bowl selection completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,180 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 starts this season.

The Redskins lost 23-21 on Sunday. Washington won 23-21 in the game Theismann was injured in 33 years ago against the Giants.