Former Alabama tight finish Irv Smith Jr. suffered a thumb harm throughout Vikings‘ coaching camp. Based on Ian Rapoport, Smith Jr. underwent profitable surgical procedure on Tuesday. The group in addition to Smith Jr. are optimistic that he’ll be capable of return by the season opener in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers on September 11. He has not performed a snap since 2020 after he underwent surgical procedure to restore meniscus harm in his proper knee.
The Louisiana native has been productive at each the faculty {and professional} ranges. At Alabama, he hauled in 58 receptions for 838 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. As a junior, he broke the document for many landing receptions by an Alabama tight finish with seven receiving touchdowns. He would additionally obtain honors as a member of the All-SEC second staff for his stellar play as a junior.
In 2019, he was drafted within the second spherical by the Minnesota Vikings. Since being drafted, he has had 66 receptions for 676 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He performed an enormous function in Mike Zimmer’s offense whereas he was nonetheless the top coach in Minnesota. Now, he should show himself to new Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. With a very good nucleus of playmakers round him, Smith Jr. ought to have favorable matchups with slower linebackers from throughout the league.
He was recognized for his nice route-running and athleticism in his time at Alabama. He has proven that on the skilled stage however has intentions of proving himself much more as he enters his fourth season within the league.
Roll Tide Wire will proceed to maintain up with Smith Jr.’s harm in addition to different former Alabama gamers within the NFL.