Ahead of what may potentially be the final game of his career, veteran safety Harrison Smith was listed as limited during Wednesday’s Vikings practice.
Smith has been ever-present on the Vikings defense this year, playing on 99% of the team’s defensive snaps. The 34-year-old safety was listed with a shoulder injury on the Vikings’ Wednesday injury report.
Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was once again unable to participate with a knee injury that has forced the team’s top corner miss the previous two games.
The right side of the Vikings’ offensive line appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with starting right tackle Brian O’Neill unable to go with an ankle injury and starting right guard Ed Ingram limited with a shoulder injury.
Also limited Wednesday were rookie corner Mekhi Blakmon (shoulder), safety Theo Jackson (toe) and tight end Nick Muse (knee).
Jalen Nailor (concussion) and Jaquelin Roy (ankle) were also unable to practice Wednesday after missing Sunday’s home finale.
Wednesday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/elOBDFapEW
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 3, 2024
Minnesota’s final regular-season opponent, the Detroit Lions, started the week with starting left tackle Taylor Decker (groin), receiver James Williams (ankle) and tight end Brock Wright (hip) all unable to practice. Wright has missed the previous two Lions games.
Linebacker James Houston (ankle) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) were limited as they work to return from injured reserve.
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was also limited Wednesday.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) was a full participant Wednesday as he’s nearing a return off the injured reserve list.
Starting center Frank Ragnow (knee/back/toe) and starting corner Cam Sutton (toe) were both full participants with injury designations.
