Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings security Harrison Smith stated Wednesday that he has made progress in his restoration from a private well being situation that started final month and is assured that he'll resume taking part in in lower than three weeks.
Talking publicly for the primary time because the ordeal started, Smith declined to be particular concerning the nature of the problem aside from to say it was “bodily” — versus a psychological well being matter.
The Vikings are getting ready for Sunday night time's sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons on a brief week after taking part in Monday night time in Chicago, and on Wednesday they'd solely a walk-through deliberate. However Smith, who practiced final Saturday for the primary time since Aug. 11, stated he deliberate to proceed pushing ahead.
“I am simply making an attempt to get my conditioning up,” he stated. “I'll go on the market and see how a lot I can deal with and go from there. I've already moved round, and I am shifting round nicely. It is simply quantity and conditioning.”
The Vikings didn't place Smith on injured reserve when the season started, indicating they hoped Smith's restoration timetable could be shorter than the four-game minimal absence required for gamers on IR.
“We're sort of fluid with if I am able to go or not, and if I'm going to assist the group or not,” Smith stated. “That each one issues. However I count on to be again earlier than [the four-week mark.]”
Smith is one in all a number of Vikings gamers whose well being may trigger them to overlook Sunday night time's sport. Left sort out Christian Darrisaw (left knee) is getting nearer to a return however his availability is unsure.
Inside linebacker Blake Cashman, in the meantime, will miss time due to a proper hamstring pressure, coach Kevin O'Connell stated. Cashman calls the Vikings' defensive indicators, a job that's more likely to fall to veteran backup Eric Wilson.
Two different distinguished gamers, exterior linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah, have been positioned in concussion protocol this week. Lastly, kick returner Ty Chandler will miss time due to a knee harm, O'Connell stated.
