Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings security Harrison Smith is anticipated to make a full restoration from a private well being difficulty that induced him to overlook the ultimate two weeks of coaching camp, sources mentioned Thursday. However his timetable for returning to observe, and his availability for the beginning of the common season, stays unsure.
Smith has been named to 6 Professional Bowls and, even at 36, stays one of many Vikings' prime defensive gamers. Minnesota routinely provides veterans relaxation days throughout coaching camp, however Smith's final day of observe was Aug. 11. Two days later, coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned Smith was away from the crew due to an sickness.
Smith was not seen at any subsequent observe, nor at both of the Vikings' remaining two preseason video games. His standing is being evaluated weekly, the sources mentioned.
If Smith is unable to play within the Vikings' Sept. 8 sport on the Chicago Bears, he probably would get replaced within the beginning lineup by longtime backup Theo Jackson. Josh Metellus is Minnesota's different beginning security, though defensive coordinator Brian Flores continuously rotates him by means of different positions.
The crew's actions this week, nonetheless, don't level to a protracted absence. The Vikings included Smith on their 53-man roster moderately than placing him on injured reserve, which might have sidelined him for no less than 4 video games. He was additionally introduced as one in all eight captains for the 2025 season, an inventory that additionally featured Metellus, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, receiver Justin Jefferson, working again Aaron Jones Sr., long-snapper Andrew DePaola, linebacker Jonathan Greenard and proper sort out Brian O'Neill.
Smith, the second of Minnesota's two first-round draft picks in 2012, recorded three interceptions and one sack amongst 87 tackles in 2024. That made him one in all six defensive backs in NFL historical past to report at the very least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks in his profession. The opposite 5 — Charles Woodson, Larry Wilson, Ronde Barber, LeRoy Butler and Brian Dawkins — are all members of the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame.
