How to handle Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith injuries in Week 14 fantasy football

Game status: Kyle Rudolph is INACTIVE and Irv Smith is ACTIVE for Week 14.

Game day update: Kyle Rudolph is not expected to play in Week 14, while Irv Smith is expected back but limited by his back injury, per Adam Schefter.

Both of the Minnesota Vikings’ top two tight ends on the injury report this week. Kyle Rudolph is dealing with a foot injury that has him listed as doubtful. He was unable to practice all week, and is not expected to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Irv Smith is listed as questionable with what’s listed as a back injury. After missing Wednesday’s practice session, he was able to get in some work on both Thursday and Friday, and the team is optimistic that he’ll play this weekend. He’s been out of action since Week 11.

Fantasy impact: Kyle Rudolph (foot), Irv Smith (back)

Smith’s fantasy football value goes way up as the lone pass catching threat at tight end for the Vikings. Even before the injury, it wasn’t unusual to see him get four or five looks from Kirk Cousins. His best game so far was a two-touchdown effort in Week 9. His target share should definitely inch upwards without Rudolph in the lineup, making Smith a solid TE1 for this week.