QB Smith sheds leg brace 8 months after injury

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith has finally shed the massive brace on his right leg eight months after breaking his tibia and fibula in gruesome fashion.

Smith's wife, Elizabeth, posted a photo Monday of him holding the ring external fixator in his hand. The team's Twitter account re-posted that picture with the message, "The brace is off! A great step for Alex in his recovery."

The brace is off! A great step for Alex in his recovery #HTTR pic.twitter.com/Tc5okLHDNH

The last 8 months have been nothing short of crazy. Although it's not over, today is a big milestone. We are shedding the weight Alex has been carrying (literally and figuratively). It's one step closer…