3 years agoMinnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. (knee) won't be rushed back into action, head coach Kevin O'Connell said. "We're going to be smart with Irv," said the first-year leader of the coaching staff. "There's no reason why he can't hit the ground running from a mental perspective this spring." Smith, of course, missed all of 2021 due to a meniscus injury, ceding starting duties to Tyler Conklin. However, Conklin signed with the Jets earlier this month, paving the way for Smith to start in Minnesota as soon as he's healthy. There's legitimate upside with Smith, who figures to be on the TE1/TE2 borderline in 2022. In 2021, he caught 30 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBaller
Source: Chad Graff