Last week, the Minnesota Vikings designated TE Irv Smith Jr. to return to practice after an extended stint on injured reserve dealing with a high ankle sprain. Now, after about a week of practice, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said during a press conference on Wednesday that Irv Smith is expected to play a role in the Vikings playoff run.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell had been hinting at a possible return for a couple weeks prior to his designation, and now after being able to practice for a week, the fact that Phillips would suggest the same is a promising sign for the tight end ahead of his free agency this offseason.