Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. to have meniscus surgery, out indefinitely

Smith, 23, flashed serious potential last year while posting 30 catches for 365 yards and five touchdowns. The football world (and fantasy world) was awaiting a breakout year for Smith, who would have benefited from all the attention paid to Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and the rest of Kirk Cousins‘ weapons.

Of course, all is not lost, because meniscus surgery isn’t necessary a season-ender. However, it seems likely that the Vikings will be without the dynamic TE through the first six weeks of the season.

While Smith is sidelined, Minnesota will be counting on backup Tyler Conklin — provided that Conklin’s hamstring doesn’t keep him off the field too. Brandon Dillon, rookie Zach Davidson, and Shane Zylstra comprise the rest of the Vikes’ TE depth chart.