The Vikings’ bottom of the barrel passing defense took a major hit today when the team placed up-and-coming safety Harrison Smith on the injured reserve list.
The marginally positive outcome is that Smith wasn’t placed on the injured reserve list that keeps him out for the season. In Smith’s case, there’s a designation for him to return after 8 weeks, according to Chip Scoggins.
Confirmed that Vikings placed Harrison Smith on IR designated to return, which means he's out 8 weeks.
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) October 18, 2013
NFL teams are allowed to put one player on IR with the designation to return.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday that Smith could undergo surgery to repair his turf toe or find an alternative option. Either way, he can’t play for at least 8 weeks. He suffered the injury last week in Minnesota’s 35-10 loss to the Panthers.
Smith is third on the team with 41 tackles and he’s tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
