NFL Rumors: Vikings Star Safety Could Miss Week 3

The Minnesota Vikings could be short their defense's most established star for their Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Safety Harrison Smith remained out at Friday's practice for the third straight day, jeopardizing his availability for the pivotal NFC North clash.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith (concussion) is on the sidelines at practice in warmup clothes so expectation is he likely won’t play Sunday against Lions. Don’t see CB Andrew Booth Jr. (quad) at practice so he’s also likely out.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 23, 2022

Smith suffered a concussion in his team's Week 2 Monday Night Football 24-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Should he miss Week 3, defensive backs Josh Metellus and Lewis Cine will likely see increased snaps in his stead.

Smith joined the Vikings as their 29th overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft. He proved an immediate contributor, starting 16 games as a rookie, and gradually grew into a cornerstone for the team. A Pro Bowler in six of his past seven seasons, Smith has hauled in 30 career interceptions over his 147 appearances in what could eventually prove to be a Hall of Fame career. He'll be sorely missed if unavailable against a Lions offense that has scored the second-most points in the league to begin the season.