"Smith has been named to six Pro Bowls and, even at age 36, remains one of the Vikings' top defensive players. The Vikings routinely give veterans rest days during training camp, but Smith's last day of practice was Aug. 11. Two days later, coach Kevin O'Connell said Smith was away from the team because of an illness. Smith was not seen at any subsequent practice, nor at either of the Vikings' final two preseason games."
"The team's actions this week, however, do not point to a long absence. The Vikings included Smith on their 53-man roster rather than putting him on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him for a minimum of four games. He was also announced as one of eight captains for the 2025 season, a list that also included 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."
Harrison Smith is expected to make a full recovery from a personal health issue that caused him to miss the final two weeks of training camp. Smith last practiced Aug. 11 and was away from the team starting Aug. 13 because of an illness. He did not participate in subsequent practices or the final two preseason games. The Vikings evaluate his status weekly. If unavailable for Sept. 8 at Chicago, Theo Jackson would likely start in his place, with Josh Metellus as the other starting safety. The team kept Smith on the 53-man roster and named him one of eight 2025 captains.
Read at ESPN.com
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