Harrison Smith Placed On IR to Return, Will Miss At Least 8 Weeks

Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Medical personnel tend to Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) during an injury timeout in the third quarter of the game with the Carolina Panthers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

We have the news on Harrison Smith at last and it is not good news. The Vikings have placed the safety on IR to return with turf toe, meaning he will miss at least 8 weeks of action. Smith will be eligible to resume practicing after six weeks per NFL rules. The Vikings are reportedly still mulling surgery for Smith, who left Sunday’s game with a painful sprain to the ligament connecting his foot to his big toe. Surgery for Smith would likely wipe out his entire 2013 season.

What will the Vikings do without their best defensive back and arguably their best all-around defensive player? Fill in with Andrew Sendejo, who is already slated to start Monday night against the Giants. The loss of Smith certainly won’t help the Vikings’ pass defense which is currently ranked 29th overall.

Another roster move will be forthcoming with Smith placed on IR. Safety Brandan Bishop was signed to the practice squad on Thursday and could be elevated to the active roster at some point. Or the Vikings could elect to sign a veteran safety, possibly former Colt Joe Lefeged whom they tried out earlier this week.

Incredibly disheartening news on Smith who, after a great rookie campaign, was quickly becoming one of the best and most entertaining players on the Vikings team. Smith gave them a presence at safety they haven’t had in years with his well-rounded skill set, physical style and ferocious attitude. Even with him the Vikings defense was a trainwreck; without him it may become a full-blown Three Mile Island of a disaster.

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