Harrison Smith has been a problem for many NFL teams over the years but the Bears in particular. Jon Durr-Imagn Images

Status of longtime Bears nemesis uncertain for opening night

Originally posted on Chicago Bears on SI
By Gene Chamberlain | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 11:47 AM ET

The Bears aren't the only team with a possible absence at issue in their secondary for the season opener.

What Caleb Williams sees when he lines up across from the Minnesota Vikings defense might look different in the back end than it has for a long time. Vikings veteran safety Harrison Smith has long been a Bears nemesis but it's possible he might not play against them in the opener.

Smith hasn't practiced since Aug. 11 due to a "personal health issue," according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The latest reports say he won't go on IR but he will "be evaluated weekly" and his status for the season opener is uncertain.

The Vikings also have Josh Metellus at the other safety. Behind Smith are Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. Smith, who is now 36 years old and the NFL's oldest safety, had projected as their starter through the start of preseason.

Caleb Williams got lucky with that dropped INT by Harrison Smith

This #Bears offense looks overwhelmed by this aggressive Vikings defense. They don't have an answer right now
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 17, 2024

Smith has 37 career interceptions, five coming against the Bears. He also made 12 of his 96 career pass breakups against the Bears, including two last year at Minneapolis.

Smith's hitting has been his real calling card and first gained the attention of Bears fans in the division title year of 2018.

Vikings Play of the Day # 59:

December 9th, 2012

Rookie Safety Harrison Smith picks off Bears QB Jay Cutler and takes it to the house for a 56 yard pick-six. It was Smith’s third INT and second touchdown of his rookie season.

Vikings beat the Bears 21-14 https://t.co/NQtEk4fkMC pic.twitter.com/DTpQ3SQHSj
— Jason Harmon (@_jason_777) July 15, 2023

That season Smith drew a $10,026 fine from the league for hitting Mitchell Trubisky in the right shoulder after the Bears QB had given himself up with a slide a 25-20 victory at Soldier Field. The hit injured Trubisky and he missed the next game at Detroit.

If Jackson plays instead, it will be quite an experience shift. He has played 222 snaps of defense in three seasons with no starts but with two interceptions.

Sure the ball was late but great come back from disaster by Harrison Smith and great display of how to play the hands when you are beat in coverage. pic.twitter.com/InM4cmqltP
— DB Tips (@dbtips101) July 8, 2023

Still, Jackson has earned plenty of praise. ESPN's Ben Solak has labeled him a Vikings "X factor."

Ward has even less experience, with 63 plays on defense.

Smith has started 191 games. His last missed game came against Seattle last season when the Vikings still had Camryn Bynum at safety. They beat the Seahawks 27-24 in that game. Bynum is now with the Colts.

What could possibly be up with Harrison Smith and his "personal health issue" that could keep him out of game one? Did he get Covid or what else can you imagine it could be?
— Bruce Johnson (@sachikojohnson) August 28, 2025

This article first appeared on Chicago Bears on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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