The Minnesota Vikings made their final decision on All-Pro and Pro Bowl starting safety Harrison Smith with one day to go before they take on the Chicago Bears in the regular-season opener on “Monday Night Football.”
Smith, 36, is entering his 14th NFL season, all of which have been spent with the Vikings, and he is a steadying presence in a remade secondary for Minnesota.
The fan favorite’s potential last ride with the Vikings is off to an ominous start.
Vikings Rule Out Harrison Smith Before Facing Bears
GettyHarrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Houston Texans.
Smith has dealt with issues in his career, but the additional intrigue around his current situation stems from the nebulous “illness” designation he carries on the injury report.
“S Harrison Smith (illness) has been downgraded to out and will not travel with the team,” the Vikings announced in a post on X on September 7, ending an extended run of speculation about the six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro’s availability.
“Harrison Smith has partially participated in one practice since August 11,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert posted on X in reaction to the official news. “It has been hard to see any path to playing Monday night in Chicago. The good news for the Vikings is that he is making measurable progress.”
Smith expressed gratitude to fans amid his ordeal.
“I want to thank everyone for the continued support and encouragement,” Smith posted on Facebook on September 3. “I’m currently working through a health matter and doing everything I can to recover quickly. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me, and I’m hopeful to be back on the field with my teammates soon. The goal is to be ready for Monday night, and I’ll give everything I have to make that happen. Skol Vikings.”
However, Smith is not the Vikings’ only concern as they head into their regular-season opener against an NFC North rival in the Bears.
Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw Still on Watchlist
GettyChristian Darrisaw #71 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before facing the New York Giants.
Smith’s situation is settled, but the Vikings are still uncertain whether or not they will have starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw available, which is critical with an inexperienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy.
“Harrison Smith is 1 of 2 Vikings players whose availabilities we have been monitoring,” Seifert said in a separate post on X on September 7. “The other is LT Christian Darrisaw (knee). He remains questionable for Monday night. Darrisaw has had partial participation since minicamp. This week, he took one planned rest day. He’s close.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed similar sentiments, which is encouraging.
However, the Vikings are stepping into hostile territory and will need to be at their best to make life easier on McCarthy.
Vikings Catch Potential Break in Bears’ Injuries
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after facing the New England Patriots.
Even without Smith, McCarthy and the Vikings could indeed see a depleted Bears defense, which entered Sunday with cornerback Jaylon Johnson questionable (calf/groin) and linebacker T.J. Edwards doubtful (hamstring), and could also be without nickelback Kyler Gordon.
Gordon was a late addition to the Bears’ injury report, popping up for the first time since returning from an offseason hamstring issue with another one that has him questionable.
Facing a depleted secondary and questionable pass rush would bode well for the Vikings, who will be without Jordan Addison for four weeks starting with this contest, even if Darrisaw ultimately joins Smith on the inactive list on game day.
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