On Friday, Vikings right tackle Andre Smith dismissed a report that he would be placed on injured reserve as a result of the triceps injury that kept him out of Sunday’s victory over the Texans.
Smith’s vow to stay off injured reserve didn’t turn out to have a long shelf life. Coach Mike Zimmer announced at a Monday press conference that Smith will have surgery to repair the injury and be placed on injured reserve. He joins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, running back Adrian Peterson and left tackle Matt Kalil as projected starters on injured reserve for the 5-0 Vikings.
Jeremiah Sirles started in Smith’s place against Houston and the Vikings took a look at some potential help for the offensive line on Monday. Zimmer said veteran tackle Jake Long worked out for the team, but there’s no signing to report at this time.
In addition to the injuries at tackle, left guard Alex Boone has been banged up of late and right guard Brandon Fusco left Sunday’s game with a concussion.