IRV SMITH NEWS

After clutch performance, Vikings need Cousins to keep it up

For all the precision and production that Kirk Cousins has displayed with the Minnesota Vikings, the lack of late-game rallies have left them and their fans wanting more from their...

DECEMBER 2, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Unable to practice Wednesday Smith was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to a back injury.

Impact Smith missed two of the last three games due to a groin issue, but he now appears to be dealing with a new injury. Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com relays that while Smith was in attendance for Wednesday's workout, he wasn't sporting a helmet. Kyle Rudolph will operate as Minnesota's clear top tight end again if Smith can't return Week 13 against the Jaguars.

DECEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Beebe amends for fumble with TD as Vikes top Panthers 28-27

Chad Beebe caught a 10-yard touchdown pass with 46 seconds left for Minnesota shortly after he muffed a punt that let Carolina pad its lead

NOVEMBER 29, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hinton promoted with all 4 Denver QBs out

With their four quarterbacks all out, the Denver Broncos have promoted rookie receiver Kendall Hinton from their practice squad Sunday to play QB against the New Orleans Saints

NOVEMBER 29, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Downgrades to out for Sunday Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Impact The second-year tight end sat out in Week 10 with this injury but returned to a limited role in Week 11. However, this injury seems to be lingering, as he'll be sidelined once again this Sunday. Kyle Rudolph will operate as the clear No. 1 tight end, while Tyler Conklin sees an uptick in usage as well.

NOVEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Smith (groin) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Impact Smith sat out Week 10 with the groin injury, but he returned for the Week 11 loss to Dallas and played 53 percent of snaps on offense. His likely absence could benefit Kyle Rudolph, who had season highs for targets (five) and yards (63) in the previous game Smith missed, though it was No. 3 TE Tyler Conklin who took on most of the vacated snaps.

NOVEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

No practice Thursday Smith (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report.

Impact After practicing in a limited capacity Wednesday, Smith was held out entirely one day later, which may signify a setback with his groin injury. On the other hand, he may have stayed off the field for maintenance reasons. Look for Smith's status to receive some clarification upon the release of Friday's injury report.

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Vikings could be without the touchdown prowess of Thielen

On an offense that features Dalvin Cook — who leads the league in rushing yards per game — and has big-play rookie receiver Justin Jefferson garnering his own headlines seven-year...

NOVEMBER 25, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Limited to start week Smith (groin/back) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Smith missed Week 10 due to his groin injury but managed to retake the field against Dallas last weekend, hauling in both of his targets for 23 yards while playing 52 percent of offensive snaps. The second-year tight end now also appears to be dealing with a back issue, but as long as he can continue practicing on at least a limited basis he should have a fair chance of suiting up against Carolina on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Learning Vikings defense takes another lesson in defeat

For the sixth time in the last eight games the Minnesota Vikings had their under-construction defense on the field down the stretch with the opportunity to seal a victory

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Two receptions Sunday Smith had two receptions for 23 yards on two targets in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

Impact Smith returned after missing a game due to a groin injury. He played on 33 of the offense's 65 snaps. Meanwhile, Kyle Rudolph had three receptions and played on 45 snaps. Both tight ends get only a minor portion of the targets with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson commanding almost all the activity in the passing game. However, the passing attack may need to diversify the targets if Thielen misses time this week after landing on the COVID-19 list.

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Streak stop: Dalton's 3 TDs lift Cowboys past Vikings 31-28

Andy Dalton returned from a two-game absence to throw three touchdown passes for Dallas

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Active in Week 11 Smith (groin) is active for Sunday's Week 11 tilt against the Cowboys.

Impact The athletic tight end was trending in the right direction after a week of limited practices, and his active status after a one-week absence is now official. Smith notched touchdown grabs on each of his two receptions in Week 9 against the Lions before missing the Week 10 win over the Bears, and he'll look for similar success versus a vulnerable Cowboys defense that's surrendered 39-386-5 line to tight ends this season.

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Drew Lock gets start at QB for Broncos vs. Dolphins

Drew Lock will get the start at quarterback when the Denver Broncos host the Miami Dolphins despite missing practice Wednesday with bruised ribs and a strained oblique he sustained...

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Expected to play Sunday Smith (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact Confirmation on his availability will arrive upon the release of the Vikings' inactives in advance of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff. Prior to sitting out the team's Week 10 win over the Bears, Smith -- who was limited in practices Wednesday through Friday -- compiled 13 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns through eight games.

NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Special teams giving Vikings plenty of trouble this season

The low moment of Minnesota's most recent game at Chicago came when Cordarrelle Patterson returned the second-half kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown

NOVEMBER 21, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Questionable to face Dallas Smith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Smith appears truly questionable after logging limited practices throughout the week. He was held out of the 19-13 win over Chicago on Monday, when fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph responded with season highs for targets (five), catches (four) and yards (63). However, Rudolph's 78 percent snap share was about the same as usual, while Tyler Conklin got the big bump in playing time, with 63 percent easily his season high. None of the bunch is a strong bet to see more than three or four targets, regardless of Smith's status.

NOVEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Practice reps capped Thursday Smith (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact After sitting out the Vikings' win over the Bears on Monday, Smith has had his reps capped in the team's first two practices of Week 11. The tight end appears to be trending toward a return to the lineup this weekend against the Cowboys, but Smith would ideally upgrade to full participation in Friday's practice to clear up any concern about his availability.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Bumps up to limited Smith was limited by a groin injury at Wednesday's practice.

Impact Prior to sitting out Week 10 in Chicago, Smith didn't practice at all, so it appears he's taking a step in the right direction. Still, his status should be watched closely to get a sense of his odds to return Sunday versus the Cowboys. If not, the Vikings will go with Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Conklin at tight end.

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Ezra Cleveland sidelined by ankle injury; Irv Smith Jr. returns to practice The Vikings gained one starter and lost another on offense during Wednesday's practice. Right guard Ezra Cleveland was not at the portion of...

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 • STARTRIBUNE.COM

Cousins steps back to forefront for Vikings with Cook slowed

The Minnesota Vikings helped Kirk Cousins get back in a groove this month after his rash of turnovers contributed to the team’s 1-5 start

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Top Fantasy Football Streaming Tight Ends for Week 11 The tight end position is a pretty tricky one. Outside of a few elite producers at the top of the position, there just aren't that many reli...

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • FANDUEL.COM

Cousins, Vikings overcome Patterson return, beat Bears 19-13

Kirk Cousins threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, and the Minnesota Vikings overcame a 104-yard kickoff return by Chicago’s Cordarrelle Patterson to beat the Bears 19-13

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Bears activate Whitehair, Miller for game against Vikings

The Chicago Bears activated center Cody Whitehair from the reserve/COVID-19 list and running back Lamar Miller from the practice squad prior to their game against the Minnesota Vik...

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vikings cut Elflein; former starter had slow injury recovery

The Minnesota Vikings waived guard Pat Elflein in the middle of another injury-impacted season

NOVEMBER 15, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS