IRV SMITH NEWS

Jefferson's breakout not enough, as Vikings falter at finish

The last part of Justin Jefferson’s first NFL touchdown was so easy he took the opportunity to slow down and tap dance across the goal line

SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Just one reception Smith had one reception for three yards on four targets in Sunday's loss at Indianapolis.

Impact Smith (34 snaps) for a second consecutive week played about an email amount of snaps as Kyle Rudolph (39 snaps) and saw an increase in targets from one last week. However, Kirk Cousins (just a 15.9 NFL passer rating) and the Vikings passing game couldn't get anything going, so it's hard to read too much into Smith's performance. Smith could still emerge as the second or third option in the passing attack, but the offense and team has many issues to solve after two lopsided losses.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Just one reception Smith had one reception for 11 yards on his only target in Sunday's 43-34 loss to Green Bay.

Impact With the trade of Stefon Diggs to Buffalo, there was some thought that Smith could emerge as the second or third option in the Minnesota passing game. After one game, that doesn't appear to be the case, but Smith did at least play 31 of 54 snaps on offense, played one fewer snap than Kyle Rudolph and went out for a pass on 16 of 19 passing plays, according to Pro Football Focus.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Kubiak on Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr.: He's taken a 'big step as a second-year player' Who’s ready for Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. to break out in the 2020 NFL season?

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

Vikings will lean on continuity to overcome key departures

Contract extensions for quarterback Kirk Cousins, head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman this year have left no doubt about the Minnesota Vikings' belief they can...

AUGUST 26, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Minnesota TE Irv Smith Jr. listed as a player the Vikings underuse Who’s ready for Irv Smith Jr. to have a big year for the Vikings?

AUGUST 22, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

On the run: Cousins, Vikes realize QB needs to scramble more

Kirk Cousins made significant strides last season as Minnesota’s quarterback

AUGUST 19, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hoping for more work The Vikings expect Smith to handle a bigger role in his second pro season, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Impact Smith was one of the youngest players in the NFL last season, playing a position with a notoriously steep learning curve for rookies. No matter, he played 60 percent of Minnesota's offensive snaps during the regular season and 58 percent in two playoff games, catching 39 passes along the way. Smith never emerged as a high-volume receiver, but he did show some progress throughout the year, and the Vikings expect another step forward this season. In fantasy football terms, there's still the issue of Kyle Rudolph taking a large chunk of the TE snaps and targets, likely limiting the ceiling for Smith's receiving production. The two tight ends had similar stats last year for catches, yard and targets, but Rudolph had a 6-2 advantage in touchdowns. It won't come as any surprise if Smith takes on more of the receiving work in single-TE formations this year.

AUGUST 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Fantasy Football TE Sleepers: Ian Thomas, Irv Smith Jr., and Taysom Hill (?) among potential breakout tight ends If you miss out on an elite tight end early in your fantasy football draft, you'll be hoping to hit on a breakout later -- even if that mean...

AUGUST 11, 2020 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Irv Smith Jr. Shows Off Sweet Vikings-Themed Purple Mercedes Irv Smith Jr. seems to love being a member of the Minnesota Vikings. And why wouldn't he? The team went 10-6 during his first year in the le...

AUGUST 3, 2020 • FANDUEL.COM

Cousins, Vikings could benefit from Kubiak system continuity

The Minnesota Vikings will lean on the continuity of their system under newly appointed offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak

JULY 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Why Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. is a 2020 fantasy football breakout candidate | Fantasy Football News, Rankings and Projections | PFF Examining the fantasy football breakout potential of Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith, Jr., who produced as a 21-year-old rookie and sh...

JULY 8, 2020 • PFF.COM

Irv Smith Jr. Is NFL's Best Sophomore Tight End The continued evolution of the tight end position creates opportunities for savvy play-callers who understand how to properly incorporate po...

JUNE 25, 2020 • BLEACHERREPORT.COM

JR Smith beats up a man he alleges broke a window on his truck Former NBA star JR Smith is captured on camera beating up a man who he alleges broke a window on his truck while protests were going on near...

JUNE 1, 2020 • LATIMES.COM

Big things ahead for Vikings tight end duo Irv Smith Jr. and Kyle Rudolph Minnesota Vikings tight end duo Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. can push each other to bigger and better things during the 2020 NFL season. T...

FEBRUARY 2, 2020 • THEVIKINGAGE.COM

Vikings Snap Counts: Rudolph producing as Smith's role increases

Minnesota Vikings tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. each played 47 snaps in Week 13, but the veteran continues to produce.

DECEMBER 3, 2019

Vikings Snap Counts: Tight ends get involved

A closer look at snap counts from the Minnesota Vikings' 42-30 win over Detroit.

OCTOBER 21, 2019

Vikings Snap Counts: Rookie TE Irv Smith Jr. gets involved in Week 3

Rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. led the Minnesota Vikings with 60 receiving yards in Week 3

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

Vikings coordinators: Irv Smith Jr., young receivers, new kicking coach and more

Highlights from Wednesday’s press conferences at OTAs with Minnesota Vikings assistant coaches

MAY 29, 2019

Hockenson, Tavai highlight Detroit's draft haul

Hockenson, Tavai highlight Detroit's draft haul

APRIL 28, 2019