MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith has left the game against Carolina with an injured left foot. The team says his return is doubtful.
Smith was injured while chasing down a screen pass to DeAngelo Williams near the Vikings goal line in the third quarter Sunday. He was able to walk off under his own power but later was taken on a cart to the locker room for further examination.
Losing Smith would be a big blow to a struggling secondary. The Vikings entered the game tied for 29th in pass defense, and Smith is by far the team’s best defensive back.
The Vikings also lost linebacker Desmond Bishop to a right knee injury in the second quarter. Bishop made his first start of the season at weak side linebacker.
