The Harrison Smith Verdict Is In
After about eight months without a real Vikings game, the season is right around the corner and will kick off on Monday with a road contest in Chicago. Kevin O’Connell’s operation will be without legendary defender Harrison Smith, though.
The Harrison Smith Verdict Is In
Smith was listed as doubtful on Saturday, but the Vikings downgraded him to out on Sunday. He’ll miss the season opener this time.
The club announced Sunday, “The Vikings have announced S Harrison Smith (illness) has been downgraded to out and will not travel with the team.”
Safety Smith has been dealing with what has been called a “personal health issue” or “illness.” He missed about a month of practice, but returned a couple of days ago in a limited fashion, implying that he’ll be back sooner rather than later. Head coach Kevin O’Connell suggested on Saturday that it was just a matter of conditioning.
He said, “He probably did a little more than I expected today, which was really encouraging. But yeah, it’s just a matter of time back on the grass. It’s definitely not mental. He’s been doing this long enough to stay sharp. It’s more of a physical ramp-up for him as we move forward.”
In Smith’s absence, expect Theo Jackson to be a full-time player for the first time in his career. The 2022 draftee of the Tennessee Titans was hired off their practice squad following Lewis Cine’s leg injury in 2022 and has been with the franchise since.
He’s played in 43 games with the Vikings, but has yet to log a start, playing 222 defensive snaps and 875 on special teams. On his resume are 47 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Last year, he snatched the game-sealing pick from Geno Smith in a game that Smith also had to sit out. With Cam Bynum in the mix, Jackson has the third safety that day. He also secured an interception in the 2023 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’ll be Metellus and Jackson starting, but Brian Flores loves his three-safety looks, so a third one is needed. That job could be filled by 2023 fourth-rounder Jay Ward or free agent addition Tavierre Thomas.
While safety Smith is out, there is a realistic chance that left tackle Christian Darrisaw is ready to return from his torn ACL recovery. He’s listed as questionable after practicing on Saturday. The Vikings could go ahead and hold him out for another week, but having J.J. McCarthy’s blindside protector on the field is a big boost, so they might give it a thumbs up when it’s time to make a decision. In case he’s out, veteran signing Justin Skule is his replacement.
Smith will be joined on the couch by running back Zavier Scott and defensive tackle Elijah Williams. Jalen Nailor and Andrew Van Ginkel are good to go after missing some time in recent weeks, and so is Justin Jefferson, the star wideout, after missing most of August with a hamstring injury.
Smith’s 193rd regular-season game will be delayed by one week. His next chance is the Week 2 home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.