EVAN, Minnesota. – The narrow end Irv Smith Jr. The Minnesota Vikings will undergo surgery this week to repair a meniscus injury he suffered in the Minnesota preseason final in Kansas City, coach Mike Zimmer announced Monday.
“We’ll see how this surgery goes, though [Vikings head team physician] Dr. [Christopher] Larsen is one of the best in the country, so we look forward to a good turnout. “
Zimmer did not specify how long the Vikings will spend without Smith, but said he had not heard of a “six to eight months” schedule when asked specifically about a longer term for Smith’s recovery.
“We’ll see where he is,” Zimmer said. “A lot of times you can’t say anything until you get there. We really won’t know until you get in there.”
Typically, recovery from meniscus surgery can range from several weeks to several months, depending on whether it is a simpler clearing or cleaning procedure or a complete repair.
Smith played 11 snapshots during Friday’s loss to Kansas City, though it’s not clear when he suffered the injury during the game. The third final year was interviewed on the field during the TV broadcast and made available to the media available at Arrowhead Stadium after the match.
Minnesota falls to Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon, Zach Davidson and Shane Zylstra and several of these players are not expected to make the 53-man roster. Zimmer called the Vikings’ depth of closure “not very good” and said the team would look to add another tight end with a cut-off day on the horizon.
“We’re looking, but not just at a tight end,” Zimmer said. “We are looking for [at] all positions “.
The Vikings had two ends closed on the field for 445 snapshots in 2020, ranking third in the NFL. While Minnesota’s offense is usually based on its extreme use, the Vikings may have to make schematic adjustments based on their exhausted staff in the position.
“We could end up being a little more ‘three wide’ [receivers]”Zimmer said.” With some of the guys we have there. All of this will be shaken after the cuts. We can’t move forward right now. “
Conklin, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury and has not practiced since Aug. 16, is expected to return Monday as a full participant in the practice, according to Zimmer.