In a Tuesday press conference, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Alex Smith will factor into the team’s quarterback competition should he be cleared to play.

“If that happens, I think this is a guy that becomes part of our equation. That’s the truth of the matter,” Rivera said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.

Related players: Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen

The story added Rivera said it will “be pure competition” between the able-bodied aspirants for the position. That competition won’t move to the practice field for a couple of weeks and we’ll see if Smith is able to join in at that point.

Traded! The #Panthers sending QB Kyle Allen to the #Redskins, per source.
The #Redskins sent a 5th round pick to the #Panthers in exchange for QB Kyle Allen, source said. With Carolina signing PJ Walker today, this helps the QB room take shape.

Kyle Allen joins Dwayne Haskins in the QB room, and will reunite with former head coach Ron Rivera and QB coach Scott Turner.

Will Grier was just carted to the locker room after taking a hard shot on a sack. He was announced as doubtful to return with a foot injury.

Related players: Kyle Allen

Allen took over in a blowout loss to the Saints. The Panthers didn't get a long look a Grier this season but he's looking like he has a real chance to be under center Week 1 in 2020 for the Panthers.

Panthers interim coach Perry Fewell says he will make a decision Wednesday on whether Kyle Allen will remain the starter.

Related players: Will Grier

Grier is a third round pick from this year's draft and the first QB drafted for the Panthers since they took Cam Newton in 2011. The fan base is pushing to see what the team has in Grier, especially after another loss this past week with Allen under center.

For all the great things he has done over his career -- winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, being named NFL MVP in 2015, and redefining the league record book for running quarterbacks -- there are many reasons the Panthers likely won't bring Cam Newton back next season.

Related players: Kyle Allen

Among the reasons is the $19.1 million the team would save on the salary cap. Since losing the Super Bowl, Newton ranks 30th in Total QBR behind Andy Dalton, and ahead of Blake Bortles. Speaking of money, the team is also going to need to pay RB Christian McCaffrey sooner than later. And finally, Allen is 5-1 as Newton's replacement so far this season.

The Panthers have placed quarterback Cam Newton (foot) on injured reserve.

Related players: Kyle Allen

GM Marty Hurney said Newton has followed a program for the past seven weeks but still has pain in his foot. He added the path prescribed by the medical staff will likely take significant time for the injury to fully heal.

Ron Rivera: Kyle Allen will start this week. Cam Newton will continue his rehab program. I have nothing further to add.

We reported before the Panthers bye week that Newton was about midway through his rehab according to the team, which came as a bit of a surprise. More recent reports suggest he's getting other opinions including surgery, which would end his season. It seems like Newton isn't close to a return and Allen will be the starter for the foreseeable future.