Smith-Marsette is slated to operate as Minnesota's top return man after the team released Ameer Abdullah on Tuesday, Arif Hasan of The Athletic reports.
Smith-Marsette has been explosive while fielding both kicks and punts through the preseason, and the Vikings are hoping the rookie fifth-round pick from Iowa can maintain his momentum into the regular season. If Smith-Marsette can continue to progress in his development, he could also earn designed opportunities as a field stretcher on offense.