Irv Smith picking up new offense quickly

Bengals HC Zac Taylor has been impressed by how quickly TE Irv Smith has settled into the offense. "Forget about the talent. He's a talented guy. We knew that's what we've seen on tape so that didn't surprise me in anyway," Taylor said. "But I think just how quickly he's integrated himself has been really impressive. That's the most impressive thing about Irv is how quickly he's picked everything up and even taken on the nuances." Smith has a clear path to the starting job in Cincinnati, with only Drew Sample and Devin Asiasi as "competition." The former second-round pick has disappointed through three NFL seasons but turns just 25 in August. The Bengals' high-scoring offense gives Smith a good shot to jumpstart his career. He's an intriguing upside TE2 target late in fantasy drafts.

The Chiefs signed TE Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal. Injuries have limited Smith to only 49 games in five seasons. When healthy, he’s given no indication that he’ll produce as a future TE1. That doesn’t change in Kansas City, where he’ll battle Noah Gray and others for the backup role.

Bengals TE Irv Smith is a healthy scratch for today's game vs. the Steelers. He's totaled four catches on six targets over the last five games, so there's very little fantasy impact here. Perhaps TE Tanner Hudson picks up a few extra routes.

Bengals TE Irv Smith (hamstring) practiced all week and isn’t listed on the final injury report. He’ll be back for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. Smith totaled five catches on nine targets for 27 scoreless yards over the first two games of the season. He’d be a desperation Week 5 fantasy play.

Bengals TE Irv Smith (hamstring) was upgraded to full participation in Thursday's practice. He's on track to return for this weekend's game vs. the Cardinals. Cincinnati could certainly use Smith to step up in a struggling offense that'll likely be without WR Tee Higgins. But Smith would be tough to trust in Week 5 fantasy lineups after totaling just five catches for 27 yards over the first two weeks of the season.

Bengals TE Irv Smith (hamstring) is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans. Tanner Hudson stepped in for Smith as Cincinnati’s lead pass-catching TE last week, catching two of four targets for 30 yards. Hudson would be a desperation Week 4 fantasy play.