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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cole Thompson

Texans elevate former starting tight end from practice squad vs. Jagaurs

Irv Smith Jr. is being called up.

The former Minnesota Vikings’ starting tight end will be elevated from the Houston Texans practice squad for Sunday’s showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Receiver Jared Wayne also will be activated for Sunday’s game.

 

With Wayne’s arrival, it’s a good sign that second-year pass-catcher Xavier Hutchinson will not play on the road in Week 13. He’s been limited in practice this week after dealing with a shoulder injury suffered against the Tennesee Titans.

Wayne’s been on the practice squad for two years and was called up once in 2023. Smith, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, has yet to join the Texans’ active roster since joining the team in September.

For his career, Smith has 109 career receptions in the NFL for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown last season in 12 games.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

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