The Minnesota Vikings face a crucial matchup on Sunday afternoon against the Green Bay Packers, a game they likely must win to keep their hopes alive for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
Last week, Harrison Smith missed his first game in nearly two seasons due to a foot injury. However, earlier this week, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Smith was expected to return for the Packers game.
When the Vikings released their first injury report of the week on Wednesday, Smith was listed as a “Did Not Practice” (DNP), along with cornerback Fabian Moreau.
Harrison SmithJalen Redmond, who is in concussion protocol, was limited in practice. On the positive side, several players were listed as “full participants” in the walkthrough, including Blake Cashman, CJ Ham, Patrick Jones II, Josh Oliver, and Ivan Pace Jr., whose 21-day practice window was activated earlier this week.
The Vikings’ passing defense struggled last week against the Seattle Seahawks without Smith in the secondary, and while O’Connell’s earlier comments provided some optimism, it’s clear that Smith’s status remains uncertain. Smith has tallied 79 total tackles, two interceptions, one fumble return, and nine passes defended this season, which is just three shy of his career high and ranks third on the team, behind only Byron Murphy Jr. and Cam Bynum.
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