IHMIR SMITH-MARSETTE NEWS

Dealing with lower-leg injury Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that Smith-Marsette is out for the rest of the spring due to a lower-leg injury he suffered during a recent workout, Chris Tomasso...

Impact Smith-Marsette finished his rookie campaign with five receptions for 116 yards and two scores across eight appearances. It's unclear how serious his injury is, but any missed time will affect his development heading into his second second season. If healthy, Smith-Marsette will likely slot in behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn on the depth chart to start the 2022 campaign.

JUNE 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Four Things We Learned at the Vikings' Second Open OTA Practice of 2022 Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a new name to watch in the punt returner mix.

MAY 25, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Pair of long receptions Smith-Marsette recorded three catches on three targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears.

Impact Smith-Marsette has had the chance for more consistent snaps in the last few games with Adam Thielen (ankle) sidelined. He did not record a target or reception in Week 17 but exploded for huge gains of 44, 40 and 19 yards to record the first 100-yard game of his career in Sunday's win. Even with the explosive effort, Smith-Marsette figures to enter the 2022 campaign buried on the wide receiver depth chart behind at least Justin Jefferson, Thielen and K.J. Osborn.

JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Vikings rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette provides optimism for next season with strong outing Entering Sunday’s finale against Chicago, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he didn’t plan to use rookies a lot who hadn’t played much during t...

JANUARY 10, 2022 • TWINCITIES.COM

Healthy scratch for Week 16 Smith-Marsette (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Impact After playing a career-high 48 percent of the offensive snaps and providing one of Minnesota's two touchdowns in its 17-9 win over Chicago in Week 15, Smith-Marsette won't suit up Sunday with fellow wideouts Adam Thielen (ankle), Dede Westbrook (reserve/COVID-19 list) and Dan Chisena (reserve/COVID-19 list) all returning to action this weekend. Currently sixth on the depth chart at receiver, Smith-Marsette could be inactive for the rest of the season so long as the top five options are all available.

DECEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Scores first career touchdown Smith-Marsette secured one of two targets for a seven-yard touchdown during Monday's 17-9 win over the Bears.

Impact Smith-Marsette logged a career-high 48 percent of snaps while hauling in his first TD during Monday's divisional matchup. The rookie fifth-round pick doubtless saw increased opportunities with Adam Thielen (ankle) sidelined, and both Dede Westbrook (illness) and Dan Chisena (illness) on the COVID-19 list, however, and he still operated behind K.J. Osborn. Depending on the state of Minnesota's receiving corps, Smith-Marsette's involvement on offense could sharply decline versus the Rams in Week 16.

DECEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Monday Night Football Top Plays: Vikings-Bears, Raiders-Browns

The Raiders topped the Browns in a wild Monday matchup, followed by the Vikings dominating the Bears. Here are the top plays!

DECEMBER 21, 2021

Jones' kick return lifts No. 18 Iowa past Illinois 33-23

Charlie Jones had a 100-yard kickoff return for No. 18 Iowa’s first touchdown as the Hawkeyes defeated Illinois 33-23

NOVEMBER 20, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sitting against Baltimore Smith-Marsette (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Ravens.

Impact Smith-Marsette battled a toe injury earlier in the season, but he returned for a Week 8 matchup against Dallas and recorded one reception for six yards. Dan Chisena has been active for each of the last three games and appears to have surpassed Smith-Marsette for a depth role among the team's wide receiver corps.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sits out Week 6 Smith-Marsette was inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official website reports.

Impact Smith-Marsette was dealing with a toe injury throughout the week, but he was able to log full practices Thursday and Friday before being ruled inactive for Week 6. The 22-year-old wideout should be ready to go when the Vikings return from their bye for a matchup with the Cowboys on Oct. 31.

OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Practices with limitations Smith-Marsette (toe) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Impact Smith-Marsette has been unavailable the past two games due to the toe injury, so it's a good sign to see him back at practice. The rookie fifth-round pick could avoid an injury designation for Sunday at Carolina if he can practice without limitations within the next couple days.

OCTOBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Officially inactive Smith-Marsette (toe) is officially inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Lions.

Impact Smith-Marsette was ruled out from the game earlier in the week, but Sunday's inactives make that official. It will be his second consecutive absence, and he did not participate in practice in any capacity during the week. Smith-Marsette's absence should solidify the roles of K.J. Osborn and Dede Westbrook in Week 5.

OCTOBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out against Lions Smith-Marsette (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Impact Smith-Marsette will sit out for a second consecutive game due to this toe injury. The rookie fifth-round pick will set his sights on healing up in time to rejoin his teammates on the field against the Panthers in Week 6.

OCTOBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not practicing Wednesday Smith-Marsette (toe) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith-Marsette didn't appear in Sunday's loss to the Browns due to his toe injury, and he's still unable to practice. Even if the 22-year-old is active for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Lions, he's unlikely to play a significant role.

OCTOBER 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play in Week 4 Smith-Marsette (toe) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Impact K.J. Osborn is expected to take over kick returning duties in Smith-Marsette's absence, piling more onto an already full plate that includes punt returns and a significant role in the offense for Osborn. Smith-Marsette will look to overcome his toe injury in time to return against the Lions in Week 5.

OCTOBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

No practice reps Wednesday Smith-Marsette (toe) didn't practice Wednesday.

Impact Since getting four offensive snaps in the season opener, Smith-Marsette has been contained to exclusively special teams, with his 20.8 yards per kickoff return ranking 16th in the NFL. Otherwise, he's waiting for his first NFL target, which may be in the distant future due to his bout with a toe injury.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sustains toe injury Smith-Marsette suffered a toe injury during Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Impact Smith-Marsette still is seeking his first career catch, but before he departed Sunday he returned two kicks for 40 yards. Ameer Abdullah subbed in for Smith-Marsette on the first kickoff of the second half.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Limited use on offense Smith-Marsette did not have a target or carry, but played four snaps on offense in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. He had one kick return for 21 yards.

Impact Smith-Marsette begins the season as the primary kick returner and No. 5 wide receiver. He'll have limited usage on offense unless there are injuries in the receiver corps.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Locks up return gig Smith-Marsette is slated to operate as Minnesota's top return man after the team's decision to release Ameer Abdullah, Arif Hasan of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith-Marsette has been explosive while fielding both kicks and punts through the preseason, and the Vikings are hoping the rookie fifth-round pick can maintain his momentum into the regular season. If Smith-Marsette can continue to progress in his development, he could also earn designed opportunities as a field-stretcher on offense.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Catches all three looks Smith-Marsette caught all three of his targets for 43 yards and rushed once for eight yards in Friday night's 28-25 preseason loss to the Chiefs.

Impact Smith-Marsette also fielded kicks, gaining 76 yards from his three kickoff returns. Although the rookie featured with Minnesota's first-team offense, none of his receptions came from starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Nonetheless, in tying for the lead in catches and placing second on the Vikings in receiving yards, Smith-Marsette again put forth a good effort as he aims to earn snaps behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Despite the fact his team hasn't incorporated three wideouts much in recent years, it'll be interesting to see how Smith-Marsette is utilized in his first season, which starts with a Week 1 matchup versus the Bengals.

AUGUST 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Early returns: Rookie Smith-Marsette gives Vikings a spark

Rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette has given the Minnesota Vikings a spark on special teams

AUGUST 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shows spark in return game Smith-Marsette had a 41-yard kickoff return and a 17-yard punt return in Saturday's preseason loss to Indianapolis.

Impact Smith-Marsette didn't do much on offense, as didn't have a reception on two targets. However, he'll need to make the roster as a returner, and he showed a spark in the loss. Smith-Marsette was a fifth-round selection and could make the team as a special teams contributor and depth receiver.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Does little with opportunity Smith-Marsette recorded two receptions on six targets for 12 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos.

Impact Smith-Marsette was on the field throughout the game. He led the team with six targets and also served as the kick returner. However, he didn't do much with his opportunity, failing to convert many of his targets into receptions and doing little with the catches he did make. Smith-Marsette was a fifth-round selection and could make the team as a special teams contributor and depth receiver.

AUGUST 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Petras grows as leader entering 2nd year as Hawkeyes starter

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras has made his biggest stries as a leader entering his second year as the starter

AUGUST 13, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jake Browning, Rashod Hill: 10 Vikings to watch in preseason opener It doesn’t sound like the Vikings’ veteran starters will play too much, so it will be a big game for players on the roster bubble.

AUGUST 13, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM