NFL Rumors: Kyle Roberts to Replace Minnesota Vikings’ Andre Smith After Getting Placed On IR

By Carlo Monzon
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrates with defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13.  Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak in the 2016 NFL season but that could change that they have lost one of their offensive tackles. Since Andre Smith was placed on the injured reserve list, the Vikings could look to sign a free agent into their roster, such as Kyle Roberts.

During Week 5's game against the Houston Texans, Smith was sidelined due to a triceps injury. Prior to the game, he dismissed reports about him being placed on injured reserve.

However, on Monday, coach Mike Zimmer made a clarification regarding Smith's current status. According to the coach, the team has decided to place the athlete on I.R., which means he will not be on the field when the Vikings take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 23.

Furthermore, it is not yet clear just how serious Smith's injury is, which means it's still hard to speculate how long he will be out of the team's active roster.

This causes a serious problem for the Vikings' current lineup especially since their bench for offensive tackles is not that deep. With Smith gone, they only have T.J. Clemmings and Jeremiah Sirles on the lineup. They also don't have another offensive tackle waiting on the practice squad.

Due to Smith's absence, the Vikings could look toward getting an outsider by signing someone from the NFL's free agency market. Although it is not yet clear who that could be, one possible choice is Roberts.

Prior to becoming a free agent, Roberts was a member of the Denver Broncos. He signed with the team in 2015 as an undrafted player. Although he was waived by the Broncos during last year's offseason as part of the roster cuts, he was still retained as a member of the practice squad. He even got a championship ring when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 last year.

In August of this year, Roberts was waived during the Broncos' roster cuts.

As a free agent, Roberts could sign with the Vikings, if the team reaches out to him with an offer. Although he's certainly on a different playing level than Smith, he could still provide the necessary depth that the Vikings need in their roster.

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