Expected to be named backup QB

Smith is expected to be named the backup quarterback after a preseason battle for the role with Cardale Jones, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The 2013 second-round pick completed four of his six attempts for 16 yards in Thursday's 23-21 preseason win over the 49ers; hardly eye-popping totals, but the performance was evidently enough to solidify Smith's position as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart. Smith would be an intriguing fantasy option situated alongside a plethora of talented weapons such as Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon, but given Philip Rivers has never missed a game since taking over as the starter 13 years ago, it's…read more

Ugly outing Saturday

Smith completed seven of his 11 passing attempts for 45 yards and an interception in Saturday's 36-7 preseason loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Locked in a heated battle with Cardale Jones for the backup position, Smith didn't do much to separate himself, tossing two pick-six interceptions, one of which was called back due to a penalty. The former Jets starter did enter Saturday's preseason game after Jones, but that decision seemed based more on getting the younger QB reps with the second unit as opposed an indication of the Chargers' preferred pecking order. Regardless of who wins the competition, neither player appears to be in a…read more

Plays nearly two quarters in preseason game

Smith completed six of his eight passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, and also ran two times for 14 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Seahawks.

Analysis: Smith was the first quarterback to relieve starter Philip Rivers, playing into the first drive of the second half. Given the competition with Cardale Jones has been neck-and-neck up until this point, it's telling that Smith was allowed to play almost a full two quarters, and looked well doing so. Week 4 will likely be the deciding factor as to who will earn the starting gig, but at least for now, Smith appears to have the upper hand.

Throws for 218 yards in Chargers debut

Smith was 14-of-23 passing for 218 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Saturday's preseason loss to Arizona.

Analysis: Smith is battling Cardale Jones for the backup job to Philip Rivers. Jones got the start with Rivers sitting out. While Smith was more impressive, he faced the second- and third-string defenses. The backup quarterback role may not be decided until late in the preseason.

Smith has reached an agreement with the Chargers on a one-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Smith played for the Giants in 2017, starting one game and completing 21-of-34 pass attempts for 212 yards and a touchdown. The move brings depth to the Chargers' quarterbacking corps, with an aging Philip Rivers now backed up by both Smith and Cardale Jones. Whether Smith or Jones will take over as the No. 2 remains to be determined.

Smith has a visit scheduled with the Seahawks on Friday, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Analysis: Smith started 29 combined games in his first two seasons with the Jets, but he yielded the floor to Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2015 and 2016, appearing in just three more games with the club. Signing on with the Giants last March, Smith proceeded to win the backup job to Eli Manning and even took over under center when former coach Ben McAdoo decided to end his streak of 210 consecutive regular-season starts in Week 13. Prior to his meeting in Seattle, Smith connected with the Chargers on Thursday, so…read more

Smith (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Analysis: As expected, Smith has yielded backup duty to Davis Webb, but interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo was noncommittal during the week about an appearance for the rookie signal caller. No matter how the QB situation plays out Week 17, Smith may have played his last snap for any squad based in New York City due to his status as a unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Smith is expected to be inactive for Sunday's game against the Redskins, allowing rookie Davis Webb to serve as Eli Manning's backup, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Aside from Smith's dalliance as the Giants' starter Week 13 in Oakland, he's only earned four offensive snaps in his first season with the team. The upcoming swap of backup quarterbacks has been in the works for a few weeks at this point, as Webb has been building up his practice reps with the first-team offense of late. An unrestricted free agent in the offseason, Smith seems as if he'll be searching for another employer in a few months.

Smith is in line to back up Eli Manning during the Giants' game Sunday against the Cowboys, Tom Rock of Newsday reports.

Analysis: The Giants will officially reinstate Eli Manning as the team's starting quarterback Wednesday following the veteran's one-game benching, a change that was set in motion shortly after head coach Ben McAdoo was fired Monday. While Smith, who threw for 212 yards and one touchdown but lost two fumbles during his start in the Week 13 loss to the Raiders, is set to become a free agent this offseason and doesn't appear to have a long-term future with the franchise, he'll likely dress Sunday with…read more

Smith will likely return to a backup role Week 14 against the Cowboys with the team expected to reinstall Eli Manning as its starting quarterback, a source informed Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Even amid a lost season, the Giants' decision to strip Manning of his long-held starting duties and hand the keys of the offense over to Smith for Sunday's eventual 24-17 loss to the Oakland drew criticism in many circles. While not a complete disaster Sunday (21-for-34, one touchdown, no interception and two lost fumbles), the 27-year-old apparently didn't do quite enough to strengthen his hold on the gig before the man who had named Smith starter, head coach Ben McAdoo, was fired Monday. It's…read more

Smith completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 212 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 loss to Oakland. He also lost two fumbles and added 13 rushing yards on three attempts.

Analysis: Starting in lieu of Eli Manning, Smith compiled only one drive of more than five plays and lost both fumbles in the first half. The third quarter was more of the same before he was able to lead two scoring drives in the fourth while trailing by 10. Even if the West Virginia product keeps the starting job going forward, he is not a dependable fantasy option outside of two-quarterback leagues despite another nice matchup against Dallas in Week 14.