EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings plan to activate tight end Irv Smith Jr. from injured reserve in time for Sunday's game at the Chicago Bears, coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday.
Smith entered the season as the Vikings' top pass-catching tight end, but he hasn't played since suffering a high ankle sprain in the Vikings' 34-26 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. The Vikings acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson two days later, and Hockenson has gone on to catch 59 passes for 503 yards and three touchdowns in nine games with the team.