Vikings’ Irv Smith to bear surgical procedure for harm that would sideline him for season opener, per report

The grins did not final too lengthy for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. After having secured two-time All-Professional security Harrison Smith to a large four-year deal, they received some [more] dangerous information on the harm entrance. Irv Smith, the staff’s beginning tight finish, is reportedly anticipated to bear surgical procedure to restore meniscus harm, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Community. It is unclear what the timetable for return is on Smith, however with the common season opener set to kickoff for the Vikings on Sept. 12 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith’s odds of recovering in time for that are not promising — in the event that they exist in any respect.

Smith is ready to probably have a breakout yr in 2021, after being a stable rotational goal for quarterback Kirk Cousins over the earlier two seasons. A former second-round pick of Alabama, Smith is a former second-team All-SEC expertise who made an influence with 311 receiving yards and two touchdowns in solely seven begins as a rookie. He’d up each numbers in Yr 2, ending with 365 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in the identical variety of begins. 

With head coach Mike Zimmer seeking to totally unleash him in 2021, it stands to cause Smith may do some actual harm this coming season, and that’s very true when factoring within the presence of Adam Thielen and breakout receiving star Justin Jefferson for opposing defenses to account for.

As a substitute, Smith should now go below the knife after which work to recuperate as rapidly and as safely as doable — hoping to keep away from any doable setbacks that will prolong his absence. Because the Vikings get a clearer image of his prognosis, they will have a greater concept of when to anticipate him again on the sector, however it appears a foregone conclusion he will not be prepared solely 14 days after surgical procedure; though stranger issues have occurred within the NFL.

It is time for the Vikings to make their transfer within the NFC North. Can Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook dinner and Justin Jefferson get the job achieved? Obtain the CBS Sports activities app to get the most recent headlines from our staff of NFL specialists. If you happen to’ve already downloaded the CBS Sports activities app, favourite the Vikings proper now to get all the highest headlines out of Minnesota.