Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, left, talks with Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, right, before an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings 1/9/2022

Jan. 09, 2022 12:33 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins walks out onto the field before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears 12/20/2021

Dec. 20, 2021 07:01 PM EST

Indianapolis Colts tight end Farrod Green, center, is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chazz Surratt, left, and cornerback Camryn Bynum, right, after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Early returns: Rookie Smith-Marsette gives Vikings a spark

By Dave Campbell Aug. 24, 2021 08:36 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Ames, Iowa. One of the biggest problems for the Minnesota Vikings last season was the performance of their special teams units. They made improvement there a clear priority on the third day of the draft by selecting Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu in the fourth round, and Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette in the fifth round. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Texas Tech at Iowa State 10/10/2020

May. 01, 2021 07:50 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Ames, Iowa. One of the biggest problems for the Minnesota Vikings last season was the performance of their special teams units. They made improvement there a clear priority on the third day of the draft by selecting Iowa State running back Kene Nwangwu in the fourth round, and Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette in the fifth round. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Special delivery: Vikes fill out draft with returner options

By Dave Campbell May. 01, 2021 07:48 PM EDT