Who Should I Start? Irv Smith Jr. or Josh Oliver

Tuesday, September 17, 10:22 PM

The Houston Texans signed free-agent tight end Irv Smith and former starting center Scott Quessenberry to their practice squad on Tuesday following successful tryouts, according to league sources. Smith, a former second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings out of Alabama, will give Houston more depth at the TE position behind Dalton Schultz, Brevin Jordan and rookie Cade Stover. He has 109 career receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career with the Vikings, Bengals and Chiefs, but injuries have really held him back from reaching his true ceiling. Texans center Juice Scruggs (groin), who missed the Week 2 win over the Bears on Sunday night, is on track to return this week against the Vikings, but Quessenberry will give the team more depth at the position. Quessenberry started for Houston two seasons ago when Justin Britt stepped away for personal reasons.

Friday, November 22, 2:42 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Oliver hasn't been able to practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. His absence won't mean too much for the Vikings offense. Oliver has taken a backseat with T.J. Hockenson back in the mix. Last week, Oliver hauled in all three of his targets for 34 yards in the win over the Tennessee Titans. The absence of Oliver means that Hockenson should see a full-time role and could be an uptick for his value. However, Hockenson should already be treated as a TE1 heading into this game.