EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have placed safety Harrison Smith on injured reserve with designation to return.
Smith has a turf toe injury on his left foot. By NFL rule he can resume practicing in six weeks and playing in eight weeks. In that case, he could be back for Minnesota’s final three games.
Smith has two interceptions, the only ones this year by a Vikings defensive back. Cornerback Jacob Lacey was signed Friday to fill his roster spot. Lacey originally signed with Minnesota last spring but had surgery to repair a dislocated thumb in June and then arthroscopic knee surgery in August before being released.
The loss of Smith is a big blow to a reeling secondary. The Vikings have given up the fourth-most yards passing per game in the league.
