Minnesota Vikings, former Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. to have surgery

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. will undergo surgery for a meniscus injury, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. The former Alabama star was poised for a big role in the offense in his third year. Now Minnesota will look to someone else to fill in while Smith recovers.

There is no timetable for his return, though he will miss the start of the season.

Smith put together respectable numbers in his first two seasons in the NFL. The former second-round pick had 66 catches for 676 yards and seven touchdowns in 29 games. Five of those touchdowns came last season.

He played two seasons at Alabama in 2017 and 2018. His final year with the Crimson Tide he finished with 44 catches for 710 yards and seven touchdowns.

Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon and Zach Davidson are listed behind Smith on the Vikings depth chart. Kyle Rudolph, who spent 10 seasons in Minnesota, is entering his first year with the New York Giants.

The news comes as a shock and hurts the Vikings tremendously. Many expected Smith to have a breakout season as the third receiving option next to Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.

Minnesota finished 7-9 this past season and missed out on the playoffs. If the Vikings hope to get there this year, they’ll have to battle the Green Bay Packers out of the NFC North.

The offense ranked an impressive fourth in the NFL in total yardage and should again be strong. Running back Dalvin Cook is among the best in the NFL, while the passing game should still be strong.

The Vikings open the season against Cincinnati on Sept. 12. Although it is unclear exactly when Smith may be able to return, there is hope that he will this year. Until then, expect either Conklin or Dillon to fill in for him.

Fans in both Tuscaloosa and Minnesota will be hoping for a speedy recover for Irv Smith Jr. from his surgery.