Vikings fans saluted Harrison Smith’s entire career when he walked off the field at the end of Week 18 last season, but thoughts that it was the final time the safety would be on the field were premature.
Smith was out of contract throughout the offseason and preseason, but remained in touch with head coach Kevin O’Connell and agreed to return for a 15th season a few days ago. While that came as a pleasant surprise to many in Minnesota, it was something that Smith had in mind for quite a while.
“I think I kind of knew it the whole time. I just didn’t know, exactly, the timing,” Smith said, via the team’s website.
Neither Smith nor O’Connell is ready to say that the safety will play against the Packers in Week 1. Smith has worked out with a return in mind, but acknowledged the big difference between that training and what he’ll be called to do on the field.
“I’m in good shape. I’ve been working out,” Smith said. “But there’s nothing like playing football. It’s just the reality of it. Heart rate, outside factors, thinking a lot while you’re moving. It’s hard to simulate that. I kind of do it the best I can. There’s something about being on the grass and thinking while you’re moving. You can feel a little stuck sometimes and just getting the fluidity back. That’s kind of what I’ve been able to do the last few years — be very fluid out there while I’m thinking.”
Smith wasn’t on the injury report for Wednesday, but further word on his status for Sunday will likely come closer to kickoff.
