MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Harrison Smith has made a considerable have an effect on in his return to the Minnesota secondary following a surprising, COVID-19-forced absence.
With the depleted state of their protection, the Vikings may use a couple of extra identical performances from the five-time seasoned Bowl safeguard who acquired a $64 million contract extension earlier than the season.
Smith had a sack and two hits on eco-friendly Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a 34-31 victory on Nov. 21. And ultimate week within the 34-26 loss at San Francisco, Smith notched an interception, two passes defensed and 11 tackles — all season highs. This came after the 32-12 months-old missed two games with COVID-19, for which he tested nice on the morning of the video game at Baltimore on Nov. 7.
"It got here out of nowhere. I certainly not basically felt a whole lot," said Smith, who's one in all several high-profile gamers on the team who stay unvaccinated. "or not it's bizarre in the event you consider suit and also you don't play, but I get it. That's how the virus works."
The Vikings have had their share of affliction-linked setbacks this yr, with cornerback Patrick Peterson the newest standout to land on the COVID-19 reserve checklist this week.
"It's simply how it is. just are trying to wear the masks and do issues how we're requested to do them," noted Smith noted, who introduced that he nonetheless does not plan to get vaccinated.
forced into quarantine in Baltimore, Smith flew again to Minnesota on a private aircraft dispatched by Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf.
What helped soften the blow for Smith become how rookie Camryn Bynum played in his location, notably considering the fact that Bynum was tapped for obligation just hours before — and without the general turns with the primary-crew defense in apply.
"He failed to seem like he vital them. He performed fantastic," Smith stated.
The Vikings (5-6) lost to the 49ers without their favored starter in any respect 4 defensive position positions. Linebacker Anthony Barr went down in that game with a hamstring injury, too. The depth chart appears precarious, but Smith said he feels extra confidence in the present protection than the neighborhood that collapsed down the stretch final year. All six of Minnesota's losses have come by using one rating.
"We comprehend we will play with anyone," Smith said. "We've shown that."
Bynum did not follow Wednesday because of an ankle damage, along with Barr (knee/hamstring), operating returned Dalvin prepare dinner (shoulder), left handle Christian Darrisaw (ankle) and backup linebacker and particular teams contributor Ryan Connelly (quadriceps).
Peterson is vaccinated and accordingly has the knowledge for an accelerated return, however it's up to the virus at this aspect. protective address Dalvin Tomlinson, who ignored the final video game at San Francisco on the COVID-19 reserve checklist, changed into on course for a return to practice Thursday, co-protecting coordinator Andre Patterson noted.
nostril handle Michael Pierce (elbow) turned into additionally distinctive for return from injured reserve, which means he might play at Detroit and kindle some optimism that the beleaguered defense will enhance in opposition t the run.
"You know the way excited i used to be about Mike after the first couple of video games with him showing his flow rush capacity in addition to his strength within the run online game, so if we get these two guys back, it will be amazing," Patterson pointed out.
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