New Wrinkle for Harrison Smith Enters the Mix
Harrison Smith, alas, is nearing a return to the field, and that outlook seems likely to come to fruition on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith could return to the lineup this weekend, but there may be a catch regarding his playing time.
But there could be a catch: the veteran safety may be on a pitch count.
Update on Harrison Smith’s Recovery
Smith is trending in the right direction, even if there’s a caveat.
Harrison Smith May Be on a Snap Count in Week 3
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero stopped by KFAN this week, opining on Smith’s injury recovery trajectory, though the ailment is mysterious.
He told the Power Trip Morning Show: “With Harrison Smith, it seems like this is potentially the week for him to get back. Another guy who, if they really, really needed him, they probably could have pushed him out there. If he returns, I don’t know that he’s going to get a full boat in Week 3.”
“Do they try to manage his reps at least a little bit? I know Harrison, once he gets on the field, is going to want to play 70 snaps. But I do anticipate that, barring some type of setback, we may see him out there.”
It’s the first time this year a pitch count for Smith has entered the discourse — and a positive sign regarding Smith’s game-readiness.
Good News Regardless
Discussing a snap count is wonderful in the realm of Smith’s mysterious injury recovery. It means he’s close.
That guy hadn’t practiced since August 11th as of last week, and nobody knew a) what was wrong b) when he’d return.
The first part remains unclear, but chatter about a pitch count suggests Smith will return soon, likely this Sunday.
Vikings Need All the Help They Can Get
Minnesota is in rough shape for two reasons: a) it played horrendously at home against the Atlanta Falcons, b) injuries have mounted, almost at an unprecedented early-season level.
If the Vikings were 2-0, for example, monitoring Smith’s status might be a low-stakes affair. But with the season on the line in the next few weeks — starting in Week 7, the schedule turns markedly more difficult — the team needs its best players.
And Smith is one of those.
Jay Ward Steps Up in Smith’s Stead
Without Smith in the lineup, other contributors like Jay Ward have stepped up.
The third-year safety has posted a 76.0 Pro Football Focus grade through two games, which makes him the NFL’s 17th-best safety at the moment. New starting safety Theo Jackson has also flashed at times, so it’s not like the back end of Brian Flores’ defense is terrible.
The unit, however, is at full strength with Smith on the field. No one disputes it.
Additional Context on Injuries + a Prediction
Vikings Wire‘s Cole Smith noted on Minnesota’s injuries: “The Minnesota Vikings are looking to get back on the winning track in Week 3. They face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are starting Jake Browning at quarterback after Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury that will keep him out for three months. Unfortunately, the Vikings are dealing with their own injury issues.”
“Not only is J.J. McCarthy out for Sunday’s game with a high ankle sprain, but Aaron Jones and Blake Cashman are on injured reserve. Others, including Christian Darrisaw, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Harrison Smith, have been dealing with their own existing or new injuries.”
He also predicted the team would intercept three passes from Bengals quarterback Jake Browning: “The Vikings will intercept three passes. Takeaways haven’t been as easy to come by for the Vikings in 2025. They have recovered two fumbles and intercepted zero passes after leading the league with 33 takeaways in 2024. Their 24 interceptions were tied for the league lead as well.”
“Browning led the Bengals to a game-winning drive last week against the Jaguars, but he made plenty of mistakes throughout the game. He threw three interceptions on 32 attempts. When the two teams played in 2023, the Vikings only intercepted Browning once in a 27-24 overtime loss. Minnesota will need to do better than that this time around.”
It’s also important to track Smith’s availability because 2025 is likely his final season. Every game matters for the 36-year-old.
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