The Minnesota Vikings are still holding out hope that Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith will be back as the NFL regular season quickly approaches. At 36 years old, Smith has been a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense and was recently named one of the team’s eight captains for the 2025 season. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to a team eager to make a deep run this season.
Over the course of his outstanding career, Smith has been chosen to six Pro Bowls, illustrating his elite status among defensive players. In the 2024 season, he recorded three interceptions, one sack, and contributed to 87 tackles, reinforcing his position as one of the Vikings’ top defensive players. Smith, meanwhile, would be one of just six defensive backs ever enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This has resulted in a very impressive career mark of at least 35 interceptions and 20 sacks.
Smith’s status now is in question as he’s missed practices and games in the last week due to an undisclosed illness. His final day on the pitch was August 11. From there on, he sat out every subsequent practice and the Vikings’ next two preseason games. Though that’s disappointing news, team officials don’t suggest this will lead to a lengthy absence from Smith. They don’t anticipate a long-term issue and expect him to be ready for the start of the regular season.
Should Smith not be ready for the Vikings matchup with the Chicago Bears September 8, longtime backup Theo Jackson figures to fill Smith’s spot in the starting lineup. Jackson cannot wait to take advantage of this opportunity! Josh Metellus currently serves as Minnesota’s other starting safety. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores often rotates him through various positions, potentially impacting team dynamics.
As the Vikings look forward to their opening game, they’ll certainly be optimistic about getting Smith back in the lineup soon. His experience and talent will be key as they look to be competitive in one of the more competitive divisions. The organization’s strategy in managing his health will be crucial in determining how well the team performs in the early stages of the season.
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