Injury Update On Minnesota Vikings Tight End

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFC's strongest teams in 2022, and made a fantastic move at the trade deadline to acquire T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions, and now, it looks like there's a good chance that Tight End No. 2 will be back in the coming weeks.

That would be Irv Smith, who hasn't played since October 30, and while he very likely won't be back in Week 15, there's a growing optimism in Minnesota that he could be back before the playoffs, and would be another solid weapon for Kirk Cousins and this offence that is looking to take Minnesota all the way for the first time in franchise history.

TE Irv Smith Jr. (ankle) is "close" to being ready to return to practice, coach Kevin O'Connell said today. There continues to be optimism that Smith will be available for games in the coming weeks.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 15, 2022

On the season, Smith has racked up 22 catches for 168 yards and 2 Touchdowns, and while he won't be the starter upon return, he can play a valuable role in this offence, and after a solid start to his Vikings career, it appears the future is very bright.

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