Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr has undergone successful thumb surgery but is expected to return to action before the start of the regular season. The injury was suffered on Monday at training camp and the surgery took place on Tuesday. While his return for the regular season opener is not a guarantee, the Vikings are hopeful that he will be available then. He is expected to receive a larger role in the offense this season if all goes well.
#Vikings TE Irv Smith suffered a thumb injury yesterday and had surgery today, coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters. He has not been ruled out for the opener.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2022
Last season with the Minnesota Vikings, Irv Smith Jr caught 30 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns on 43 targets. Coming into his third NFL season he is expected to see an increased role and should receive more targets along with that role. There is a lot of pressure and expectations on the Minnesota Vikings this year. They hope to compete for an NFC North title and want to even compete for the Super Bowl this year. With the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears looking poor and even the Green Bay Packers showing some holes, it may be the team’s year to shine.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announced that Irv Smith Jr. had surgery on his thumb today, but he’s expected to return for the start of the season.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 2, 2022
Irv Smith Jr has already missed all of the 2021 season due to a knee injury and his injury history has held him back thus far in his career. The Vikings will need a solid presence at tight end this season to help protect and provide another target to quarterback Kirk Cousins.
