Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. to miss start of season with meniscus injury

Smith was preparing for a breakout season with the Vikings now that he's the team's top tight end, with Kyle Rudolph now playing for the New York Giants. Last season, he caught 30 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns. 

The 23-year-old was excited about the opportunity to be Minnesota's TE1 and showed plenty of promise in the Vikings' preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, catching two passes for 39 yards from Kirk Cousins on the team's opening drive. 

Smith's injury comes at an unfortunate time for the Vikings, who are also without Tyler Conklin, who left practice a few weeks ago with a hamstring injury. 

The other tight ends on Minnesota's depth chart are Brandon Dillon, Zach Davidson and Shane Zylstra. The trio has one NFL regular-season catch combined, courtesy of Davidson. 

The Vikings could look to sign a veteran free-agent tight end before the regular season begins with the lack of experience at the position. Tyler Eifert, Josh Hill and Virgil Green are still available. More players at the position could be available this week, too, as final roster cuts are in store. 

The Vikings open the 2021 season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 12.