Vikings Announce Concerning Injury Update Before ‘Monday Night Football’

Harrison Smith Injury Update: Personal Health Matter

Smith's situation, which has limited him to just one practice since Aug. 11, may be more concerning than meets the eye.

"He has been dealing for the better part of training camp with what is essentially a personal matter," NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said on Monday morning.

ESPN's Vikings beat reporter Kevin Seifert has also described Smith's ailment as a "personal health issue."

Smith was initially listed as doubtful on the Vikings Week 1 injury report, but was officially downgraded to out on Sunday afternoon.

"He probably did a little more than I expected today," O'Connell said after Smith was a limited participant in Saturday's practice. "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."

Vikings Starting Safety Without Harrison Smith

A six-time returning captain on defense, Smith's absence will leave a big hole for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to fill against a new-look Bears offense featuring quarterback Caleb Williams and former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson calling plays as the team's head coach.

Without Smith, fourth-year safety Theo Johnson will start at safety next to Josh Metellus. It will be Minnesota's first season opener without Smith since he joined the team in 2012.

The 13-year veteran is the NFL's active leader in career interceptions with 37. He picked off three passes last year, helping the ball-hawking Vikings defense finish with the most interceptions in the league (24) and tied for the most takeaways (33).