The 2021 season was a lost one for many reasons. Perhaps the biggest being the loss of starting tight end Irv Smith Jr.
Primed to have a breakout season as the top tight end on the depth chart in his third year, Smith Jr. was a shining star during training camp, including a banner game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Unfortunately, he suffered a meniscus tear that would either require him to be out for 4-6 weeks with surgery that could hinder him long-term or 4-6 months for a better outlook. The Vikings chose the latter and lost him for the 2021 season.
