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Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings safety Harrison Smith is projected to fully recover from a personal health concern that led to his absence during the last two weeks of training camp, sources indicated Thursday. However, the timeline for his return to practice and his readiness for the beginning of the regular season remains unclear.
Smith, a six-time Pro Bowler, continues to be one of the top defensive assets for the Vikings at the age of 36. Minnesota typically affords veterans rest days during training camp, but Smith’s last practice occurred on Aug. 11. Two days afterward, coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Smith was away from the squad due to an illness.
Smith was not observed in any following practices, nor was he present for the Vikings’ last two preseason matchups. His condition is being reviewed on a weekly basis, the sources reported.
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If Smith is unable to participate in the Vikings’ game on Sept. 8 against the Chicago Bears, he is likely to be substituted in the starting lineup by veteran backup Theo Jackson. Josh Metellus stands as Minnesota’s other starting safety, although defensive coordinator Brian Flores often shifts him to various positions.
Nevertheless, the team’s decisions this week suggest a short absence. The Vikings included Smith in their 53-man roster instead of placing him on injured reserve, which would have rendered him inactive for at least four games. He was also announced as one of the eight captains for the 2025 season, joining Metellus, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Aaron Jones Sr., long-snapper Andrew DePaola, linebacker Jonathan Greenard, and right tackle Brian O’Neill.
Smith, who was one of Minnesota’s two first-round selections in the 2012 draft, registered three interceptions and one sack across 87 tackles in 2024. This achievement placed him among the six defensive backs in NFL history to attain at least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks throughout their careers. The other five — Charles Woodson, Larry Wilson, Ronde Barber, LeRoy Butler, and Brian Dawkins — are all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
