Smith & Rudolph out Wednesday

Vikings TE Irv Smith (back) is expected to play against the Bucs today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. But the back injury "could limit some of his play time," Schefter adds. Even with TE Kyle Rudolph (foot) expected to be out, Smith is just a TE2 at less than 100%.

Vikings TE Irv Smith (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. That keeps Kyle Rudolph safely inside TE1 territory in our Week 13 rankings. He's seen 5 and 8 targets in 2 games without Smith this season, scoring double-digit PPR points in both. He gets Jacksonville's 18th-ranked TE defense this weekend.

Vikings TE Irv Smith (back) did not practice on Wednesday. The groin issue is off the injury report, but the back has Smith looking iffy for this weekend's game against the Jaguars. His absence would make Kyle Rudolph a nice TE1 play again.

Vikings TE Irv Smith (groin) has been downgraded to out for today’s game against the Panthers. That turns TE Kyle Rudolph into a nice Week 12 spot starter.

Vikings TE Irv Smith (groin) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Assuming he ends up inactive, TE Kyle Rudolph will be a viable Week 12 play. When Smith missed Week 10 vs. the Bears, Rudolph ran a pass route on 79% of QB Kirk Cousins’ drop backs and posted a 4-63 line on 5 targets.