Vikings Designate Tight End To Return From Injured Reserve

He's been out since Week 8.

The Minnesota Vikings have designated tight end Irv Smith to return from the injured reserve.

From #Vikings practice today, TE Irv Smith Jr. returned from the IR, he hasn't played since Week-8 (ankle.)

This opens a 21-day practice window, Kevin O'Connell sounded optimistic on Irv's return. It will be based on a day-to-day workload. @KSTP|@KSTPSports pic.twitter.com/bpQkz93zHI

— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) December 28, 2022

The team now has 21 days to activate Smith to the active roster or else place him back on the injured reserve for the rest of the season. However, given his participation in practice on Wednesday, it would seem that the tight end should return very soon.

The twenty-four-year-old should rejoin the team for the playoffs, and maybe even for one or two of the team's final games of the season. However, with the acquisition of T.J. Hockenson, Smith will be in for a secondary role.

In seven games this season, Smith has 22 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports