Smith reeled in three of four targets for 37 yards during Sunday's 33-27 loss to Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

With Kyle Rudolph (foot) unavailable for the Week 15 divisional tilt, Smith posted his fifth start of the 2020 campaign while tying for third on the team in targets. Tyler Conklin turned out to be the more profitable tight end option against the Bears, however, producing three catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. The Alabama product has offered an inconsistent floor and a limited fantasy ceiling in his second pro campaign, with no more than five targets or 64 receiving yards in any game this season. Smith has also been held under 25 yards on six different occasions, scoring a touchdown in just one of those instances.

Smith could take on a more pronounced role Sunday against the Bears with teammate Kyle Rudolph (foot) having been ruled out for the contest.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph -- who is missing his second straight game -- had been getting some extra targets while Smith missed three out of four games between Weeks 10 and 13. The 22-year-old returned last week and caught four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in the 26-14 loss to Tampa, but his 35 percent snap share was a season low, with fellow tight end Tyler Conklin getting more playing time (57 percent) and more targets (five). Smith should see his role increase now that he's off the injury report, facing a Chicago defense that's given up the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Smith secured all four targets for 63 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 26-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The second-year tight end had the chance for more targets with position mate Kyle Rudolph (foot) out of action, but Smith actually saw just a slight bump over the 2.6 targets per contest he came into the contest with. However, Smith put the opportunities to good use, leading the Vikings in receiving yards while tying Justin Jefferson for second in receptions. Smith also garnered Minnesota's only touchdown through the air, recording a 14-yard scoring grab late in the third quarter. Smith will look to follow up the solid performance in a Week 15 matchup versus a Bears defense that's been vulnerable to tight ends this season.

Smith (back) is active for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

While Smith puts an end to a two-game absence, fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph will take a seat for the first time since 2014. Smith has surpassed 50 yards receiving just twice in nine games this season, but with a few more targets freed up due to Rudolph's absence, he and Tyler Conklin are poised for bigger roles.

Smith (back), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 22-year-old is expected to take the field after missing the past two games due to the back issue, but Schefter also indicated Smith could still be limited by the injury Sunday. Kyle Rudolph (foot) isn't expected to play, so even with Smith back Minnesota will be missing one of its top tight ends. Tyler Conklin is the only other tight end on the active roster, though he has only four catches for 26 yards this season.

Smith (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, while teammate Kyle Rudolph (foot) is doubtful, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith returned to practice Thursday and Friday as a limited participant, after missing three of the past four games with groin and back injuries. His status may not be confirmed until Sunday morning, but he could have a larger-than-usual role in the passing game if he's active, as Rudolph isn't expected to play. Tyler Conklin will be left as the top tight end if both Smith and Rudolph are inactive ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Smith (back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com that Smith had a "positive" day of practice Thursday and may be back "in the mix" this weekend if he looks good again Friday. "He picked up his work today so we're heading in the right direction towards Sunday," Kubiak said. With Kyle Rudolph (foot) not yet able to practice this week, it could be the Smith and Tyler Conklin show at tight end for the Vikings on Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Smith (back) was spotted at practice Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) remained sidelined, with the Vikings' upcoming injury report slated to reveal whether Smith was limited or logged a full session in his return to practice Thursday.

Smith (back) was held out of practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

As was fellow tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot), leaving Tyler Conklin as the only healthy option at the position on the active roster. Smith himself hasn't practiced since the first session of Week 12 prep, so he may need to get on the field in some capacity Thursday and/or Friday to give him a chance to suit up Sunday at Tampa Bay.

The Vikings ruled Smith (back) out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith will be inactive for a third time this season and for the second week in a row after his back injury prevented him from practicing in any capacity Wednesday through Friday. With Smith out of the picture, Kyle Rudolph should be freed to run more routes at tight end after typically serving as more of a blocking specialist when both players dress. While Smith was sidelined Weeks 10 and 12, Rudolph recorded 11 receptions for 131 yards on 13 targets.