- May 21, 2026
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Safety Harrison Smith is back with the Vikings, but it remains to be seen if he will be in their secondary against the Packers on Sunday.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said at a Wednesday press conference that Smith remained in good shape while considering whether to return for the 2026 season, which joins his experience in the team's defense as reasons to think it won't take long for the 15-year vet to get up to speed. O'Connell said he doesn't know if that will happen in time for the opener, however.
"Getting his cleats back underneath him. Don’t know quite yet where we’ll be at as far as his availability for this week’s game," O'Connell said.
Smith agreed to return to the team over the weekend and O'Connell said he thinks it was a "pretty easy decision" to come back because of Smith's confidence in what he can still do on the field. The next couple of days of practice should determine whether he'll get to show it against Green Bay.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said at a Wednesday press conference that Smith remained in good shape while considering whether to return for the 2026 season, which joins his experience in the team's defense as reasons to think it won't take long for the 15-year vet to get up to speed. O'Connell said he doesn't know if that will happen in time for the opener, however.
"Getting his cleats back underneath him. Don’t know quite yet where we’ll be at as far as his availability for this week’s game," O'Connell said.
Smith agreed to return to the team over the weekend and O'Connell said he thinks it was a "pretty easy decision" to come back because of Smith's confidence in what he can still do on the field. The next couple of days of practice should determine whether he'll get to show it against Green Bay.