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Game status: Irv Smith is INACTIVE for Week 12.
The Minnesota Vikings listed tight end Irv Smith as doubtful on this week’s official injury report with a groin injury. He was able to get in a limited practice session on Wednesday, but was not participating on Thursday and Friday. It’s not a great sign for his availability.
Fantasy impact: Irv Smith Jr. (Groin)
Smith had two catches for 23 last week against Dallas. He missed the team’s Week 10 game, a win over the Bears. Without Smith, the Vikings will lean on Kyle Rudolph to handle the workload at tight end. The last time he played without Smith in the lineup, two weeks ago, he finished with four catches for 63 yards.
The Vikings will also be without wide receiver Adam Thielen this week. While the offense still revolves around Dalvin Cook, the absence of both Thielen and Smith could mean even more looks for Rudolph and rookie receiver Justin Jefferson. Rudolph is a solid option for fantasy football lineups this week at tight end.