Harrison

Smith

Smith will miss his first game since the 2022 season with a foot injury that kept him sidelined during practice in recent days. It’s a small setback for a Vikings defense giving up the second lowest EPA per play in 2024. Minnesota will also be without Moreau against a struggling Seattle passing offense.

Agreeing to yet another contract adjustment, 35-year-old Smith will be back for his 13th season in the Twin Cities. Smith is no longer the elite player he was during his prime, but his drop-off has been surprisingly gradual. That being said, 2023 was just the second INT-less campaign of Smith’s career. Perhaps he won’t remain an every-snap player in 2023.

The move was deemed a “restructure” by the national media, but 34-year-old Smith has agreed to slash his salary from $14.7 million to $8 million. Hardly a pittance, but not a “restructure.” Smith can also earn an additional $2 million through incentives. Smith remained an above average starter at the back end of the Vikings’ defense last season, but he’s no longer operating near an All-Pro level. He’s getting near the end of the line in Minnesota.

Smith was a limited participant all three days, which leads us to believe he is on the optimistic side of questionable. The 33-year-old safety missed Week 18 with knee soreness. Kevin O’Connell told reporters he didn’t “anticipate” anything keeping Smith from playing on Sunday.

Smith had a full week of practice but started feeling the soreness on Friday. The Vikings are likely just being cautious with their 33-year-old ahead of the postseason. Minnesota is playing a Bears team gunning for the No. 1 pick in Week 18. There is no need to force the issue with a veteran who has dealt with a variety of minor ailments this season.

Smith has been dealing with a neck injury and, according to Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, the issue “flared up” earlier this week. He was upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to consecutive limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. Sans Smith, Detroit’s matchup with Minnesota looks even juicier this week.

Smith’s condition “flared up” according to O’Connell. We don’t have practice participation yet for Minnesota but it wouldn’t be surprising if Smith didn’t practice. He missed time early in the week with an illness. A late-breaking addition to the injury report has us considering Smith truly questionable.

Lewis Cine and Josh Metellus will get extra snaps. Smith isn’t quite the impact player he was at 33, but his on-field smarts and instincts still make this a tough blow for the Vikings D/ST. It’s generally good news for Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown for Week 3.

Smith suffered the concussion in Minnesota’s Week 2 game against the Eagles. Despite exiting the game early, he totaled 13 tackles. That game was on Monday night, so Smith has a slightly shorter turnaround than usual. O’Connell said the team will be monitoring his progress throughout the week, so it’s not a guarantee that he is able to play in Week 3 against the Lions.

Smith’s return is a boost for a Vikings defense that will be facing Aaron Rodgers this week. Rodgers wasn’t as sharp in his Week 10 return as he normally is, but will have a full week of practice to get ready for the Vikings. Minnesota will need to be at full strength to be able to limit the 2020 MVP. Fortunately, Patrick Peterson (hamstring) may also be able to return from injured reserve this week.