MN Vikings Captain Set to Debut on Sunday

It’s been a tough few weeks for the Minnesota Vikings on the injury front. Not only did they start the year without some of their key starters, but they’ve lost some significant talent along the way.

There is still hope that Christian Darrisaw returns this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota opted against placing him on injured reserve to start the year, but his confidence makes that look like something of a misstep.

Harrison Smith has been sidelined with an illness for more than a month, but he may finally be reaching the end of that tunnel.

Harrison Smith set for 2025 Minnesota Vikings debut

There has been little information presented regarding the actual ailment for Harrison Smith. Dubbed an illness, the malady has kept him out for the vast majority of training camp, and the first two weeks of the regular season. Although Darrisaw still has a questionable status for Sunday, Smith has no designation.

Minnesota will be without J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones for its Week 3 matchup against Cincinnati.

But barring a last-minute setback, Brian Flores’ Vikings defense will get a boost in the form of Harrison Smith, who is set to make his season debut, sources say. pic.twitter.com/RGiFVP3T4A

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 20, 2025

The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini, she of Aaron Rodgers fandom, is reporting that Smith will be active on Sunday. It would be his first game action of the season, and should not be expected that he’ll handle a normal allotment of snaps.

Last season Smith played in 16 games for the Vikings. At 36 years old, he is entering his 14th NFL season. To say he has been doing it a long time would be putting it lightly.

Minnesota isn’t going to get the Pro Bowl or All-Pro version of Smith, but he is absolutely the captain that can still quarterback a defense. With the absence of Blake Cashman and multiple other key pieces out, Smith’s presence can be a steadying force for Brian Flores’ defense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Returns to Practice… with Bad News

If and when Smith goes on Sunday, it will be his 193rd career regular season game. The Vikings need him to help a safety room that has been without their leader. His insertion into the lineup should also elevate the abilities of Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.

Vikings boost on defense can be key

It’s going to be a battle of the backups on Sunday. Jake Browning is starting in place of Joe Burrow, and J.J. McCarthy is being replaced by Carson Wentz.

The expectation that the Vikings offense goes off without a hitch would likely be imaginary at best. The more heavy lifting that the defense can do, the better. Browning already beat Minnesota once, back in 2023. Smith being able to help direct his side of the ball is a big deal.

Related: Christian Darrisaw Does Not Sound Ready

Minnesota has two straight games across the pond on deck. They’ll need to win this one against the Bengals to set themselves up in a good position. A victory with a clean bill of health to follow would be the best-case scenario.