Harrison Smith has been one of the best players on the Minnesota Vikings for a long, long time.
But the star safety won't be playing in Week 1 for the first time in his NFL career when Monday Night Football kicks off against the Chicago Bears.
Smith was ruled out over the weekend, a bummer for the Vikings for sure.
He's the NFL's active leader in career interceptions, with 37.
At 36 years old, Smith is embarking on his 14th NFL season. He had three INTs and 87 tackles last season.
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Where is Harrison Smith?
Harrison Smith is officially out of Monday Night Football. He was denoted on the Vikings' injury report as having an illness.
Minnesota did list him as a limited participant at Friday's practice, but apparently they aren't pushing it for the season opener. Smith has only practiced once since August 11th.
The Vikings will have to slot someone new in at free safety, and it's expected to be Theo Jackson. It would've been Cameron Bynum's spot, but he departed in the offseason for the Colts. Jackson signed a contract extension with Minnesota this offseason, so he's considered a key part of the Vikings' future. And he'll have a huge role on Monday night.
Minnesota's playmaker on the back end will likely have to be Josh Metellus, the do-everything defender who nominally will start Monday's game at strong safety. Really, he'll just get to do it all, and without Smith, it'll be more crucial than usual.
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