Overview

• Smith has been away for roughly two to two-and-a-half weeks since his last practice on Aug. 11, missing the final two preseason games.
• He is expected to make a full recovery and is being evaluated on a weekly basis, according to multiple reports.
• Minnesota declined to place him on injured reserve and named him one of eight 2025 captains, avoiding the automatic four-game absence IR would trigger.
• His availability for the Sept. 8 opener at the Bears remains in question, with Theo Jackson or Josh Metellus likely to start if he cannot play and Jay Ward providing depth.
• With Camryn Bynum gone in free agency and Brian Flores' defense leaning on safeties, the team faces a near-term depth challenge in the secondary.