Former Alabama TE Irv Smith Jr. suffers injury; Vikings make big trade for replacement
Former Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. is expected to miss “multiple weeks” for the Minnesota Vikings following a high-ankle sprain suffered Sunday vs. the Cardinals.
In response, the Vikings traded a few picks to the Lions for tight end T.J. Hockenson while Smith recovers. Minnesota, sitting at 6-1 on the year, is proving that it is legitimately contending for a Super Bowl this season with this move.
Vikings’ TE Irv Smith Jr. suffered a high ankle-sprain on Sunday vs. Cardinals and is expected to miss multiple weeks. So Minnesota now lands TE T.J. Hockenson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2022
Smith was solid for the Vikings this season before his injury. He totaled 2 receptions for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns in 6 games.
The Vikings should be just fine with Hockenson in relief though. As for why the Lions would trade one of their better offensive players? That remains to be seen.