All offseason long, Minnesota Vikings fans have been wondering if longtime safety Harrison Smith would return for a 15th year with the franchise, and now an unfortunate injury in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants might have just given everyone their answer.
Midway through the first half of the exhibition matchup in New York, Vikings veteran safety Jamal Adams was carted to the locker room after suffering what looked like a non-contact leg injury.
When returning to the field for the second half, Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell told the TV broadcast, "you’re just crushed for him," and "we're going to miss him," when talking about Adams' injury.
Based on those comments from O'Connell, it doesn't sound like Adams is going to be back on the field anytime soon, if at all, during the upcoming 2026 season.
Jamal Adams injury could cause Harrison Smith to return to Minnesota Vikings for 2026 season
Prior to his injury, Adams was working on the field with Minnesota's first-team defense on Saturday, and he's also been doing the same during the team's last few training camp practices. So, it's fair to assume that he was going to have a notable role for the Vikings this season.
Now, that role could be no more, and Minnesota will likely need to bring in a safety to replace Adams' experience and versatility.
That's definitely a job description that fits with Smith's resumé.
Now would also be the perfect time for Smith to return and have enough time to get in "football shape" before the Vikings hit the field for the regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers on September 13th.
If they wanted, Minnesota could also potentially ease Smith into the season by using someone like Jay Ward more often in their first few games. Ward has been playing well in training camp this summer, so the Vikings would likely feel comfortable giving him more snaps to help the future Hall of Famer not get overworked in the first month of the season.
If Adams' injury turns out to be one that prevents him from playing at all for Minnesota in the 2026 campaign, it's safe to say the team will be placing a phone call to Mr. Smith.
Will the All-Pro safety decide to lace up his cleats for one more year, or has his time off become too enjoyable to return to the field again?
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