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Former Chiefs Pass-Catcher Joins Texans Immediately Before Week 16 Matchup

By Joseph Grassano

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid challenges a play call with field judge Mearl Robinson (31) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid challenges a play call with field judge Mearl Robinson (31) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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The Chiefs are set to take on the Houston Texans in just under 24 hours. However, the Texans have just added a former Chiefs player to their roster.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC Houston, the Texans have signed tight end Irv Smith Jr. to their 53-man roster.

Chiefs News: Texans Sign Former Chiefs Tight End Irv Smith Jr. to Active Roster

Smith Jr. was drafted by the Vikings in 2019. During his first two seasons in Minnesota, Smith Jr. recorded 66 catches for 676 yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, Smith Jr. did end up missing the entire 2021 season due to a torn meniscus.

Since returning from that injury, Smith Jr. hasn't been as productive in the passing game. In 2022, Smith Jr.'s last season with the Vikings, he recorded only 25 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Following that season, Smith Jr entered free agency and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

As a Bengal, Smith Jr. recorded 18 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown on a 44% snap share. While Smith Jr.'s receiving stats haven't been great since the injury, he has proven to be a solid blocker, which is why his snap share was still fairly high.

Before landing with the Texans earlier this season, Smith Jr. spent the 2024 preseason with the Chiefs. Even so, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Smith Jr. before the season because of Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

The emergence of Gray this year has been amazing for Kansas City and their offense. He's already posted career-highs in receptions (37), receiving yards (420), and touchdowns (5).

While no one in Kansas City doesn't wish ill will on Smith Jr., they all hope he won't have a big game on Saturday. Smith will be TE2 for the Texans behind Dalton Schultz.

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