Smith recorded two touchdowns in practice Wednesday and may be in store for an increased red-zone role in 2021, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Kyle Rudolph left in free agency in the offseason, giving Smith an opportunity to pick up more work inside the 20-yard line. While head coach Mike Zimmer said earlier in the summer that Smith's role may not change much sans Randolph and that Tyler Conklin would instead see a bigger boost in opportunity as the second tight end, it's possible that Smith takes over as the main red-zone target at the position. Rudolph produced 15 touchdowns between 2016 and 2017, though it's worth noting that he holds a four-inch advantage in height over Smith. Regardless, Smith's usage will be something to monitor in the preseason.