Harrison Smith Returns to Practice in Latest Minnesota Vikings Injury Report

Last week, the Minnesota Vikings faced off against the Seattle Seahawks without one of their key defensive leaders. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell is optimistic about having his captain back in action for this week’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

The Minnesota Vikings have also been without Ivan Pace Jr. for a matter of weeks, and while Blake Cashman has proven to be an amazing addition to the team this season, the linebacker unit truly excels when both players are on the field together. Pace Jr.’s absence was notably felt in their earlier encounter with the Green Bay Packers this year, making his potential return for this game highly anticipated.

Related: Former Vikings Fan Favorite QB is Unretiring to Sign with… the Lions

Minnesota Vikings looking healthier on defense

The Vikings activated Ivan Pace Jr.’s practice window earlier this week, paving the way for his return to the active roster and his spot in the starting lineup. On Thursday, Pace Jr. participated in his second consecutive full practice session, alongside several notable teammates.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report.@harrismith22 was a full participant in today's practice. pic.twitter.com/RZh76zLBio

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 26, 2024

After not practicing in what was just a walkthrough on Wednesday, Harrison Smith was back in action. The veteran safety didn’t miss a game last season but played in just 14 the year before. He has 79 tackles this season and could flirt with besting 2023’s 93 total tackles with two big games coming up in the final weeks.

Harrison Smith knows how to lay a clean hit pic.twitter.com/EjnYiut3WE

— Craig Williams (@GA_SKOL) November 4, 2024

Pace Jr. has started nine games for Minnesota in 2024. He has three sacks, already beating last year’s 2.5. His 59 total tackles won’t touch the 102 he had as a rookie, but the six tackles for loss have been significant.

Ridiculous play by Ivan Pace Jr, as he outruns the TE to his block, and then runs right through the split-blocking TE to make the run stop.

Tillery also beat the LT to his spot and got into the backfield, forcing the cutback into pace. pic.twitter.com/LH7rNziRA7

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) October 7, 2024

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Veteran D-lineman to Practice Squad, Cut Cornerback

Although the Vikings did sign veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Harris to their practice squad, rookie Jalen Redmond should be back. He has played in 11 games this season and owns 15 tackles with a single sack. Redmond missed the tilt against Seattle due to a concussion.

Minnesota’s only non-participant was cornerback Fabian Moreau. He started in place of Stephon Gilmore but missed the game last week against Seattle as well.

Minnesota must win on Sunday in order to keep their hopes of grabbing the top seed in the NFC alive. A gigantic matchup against Detroit then looms for Week 18.