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5 potential replacements for Irv Smith Jr. in Minnesota

By Adam Carlson

Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) celebrates his reception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron (85) celebrates his reception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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If Irv Smith Jr, isn’t available for the start of the 2022 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings need to turn to one of these tight ends for the season.

The Minnesota Vikings invested a second-round draft pick in tight end Irv Smith Jr. during the 2019 NFL Draft but haven’t been able to get much in return for their investment heading into the 2022 NFL season.

It hasn’t been a lack of effort on the field that has kept Smith from producing for Minnesota. Through three seasons with the purple and gold, the 23-year-old tight end has only been able to suit up for 29 of a possible 49 games due to missed time from injuries.

Sadly, injuries have struck again for Smith. This time, he required surgery for his thumb and is expected to miss the rest of training camp and the preseason with the possibility of being available for the regular season.

But what if the 6’2 tight end can’t be ready for the start of the season? And what happens if that issue lingers into the season and Irv Smith Jr. is forced to miss significant time? Here are five players who might be able to pick up some slack if called upon for the season.

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