VIDEO Redskins QB Alex Smith Suffers Gruesome Ankle Injury

The Washington Redskins suffered a major setback Sunday, as quarterback Alex Smith was carted off the field with a gruesome ankle injury in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

Smith was sacked by defensive end J.J. Watt and safety Kareem Jackson with seven minutes and 43 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The injury likely ends Smith's season. Players from both teams took knees while Smith was treated.

Smith waved to the crowd as he left the field. CBS Sports reported that the 34-year-old was taken to a local hospital by ambulance.

Smith's injury comes 33 years to the day of another gruesome injury to a famed Redskins quarterback. On Nov. 18, 1985, New York Giants defensive star Lawrence Taylor tackled Joe Theismann, ending his career on a leg injury.

Smith left after throwing for 135 yards and two interceptions. Veteran reserve Colt McCoy replaced Smith. McCoy completed three of his three passes, including a touchdown pass, on the ensuing series.

The Redskins, who entered Week 11 with a 6-3 record, are looking to win the NFC East in a year in which the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have underachieved. Both the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys have 4-5 records.