Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings' Harrison Smith ejected for hit that knocked out Texans' Jordan Akins

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Oct 4, 2020 3:42 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings are without safety Harrison Smith for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

Smith was ejected for targeting with 1:13 remaining in the first half. On a second-and-10 from the Minnesota 46-yard-line, Deshaun Watson launched a deep pass that hit Jordan Akins downfield. Smith attempted to make a tackle and led with the crown of his helmet to bring Akins down following a 26-yard reception.

Harrison Smith was flagged for using the helmet to initiate contact here and got ejected.pic.twitter.com/1BFhuxzNgq
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 4, 2020

Referees discussed the hit for several minutes before tossing Smith from the game. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was visibly angry on the sideline and was seen arguing with a member of the officiating crew after the ejection.

Zimmer’s response to Harrison Smith being ejected pic.twitter.com/0NO2l6DCPs
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) October 4, 2020

After the hit, Akins was evaluated for a concussion and was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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