EAGAN, Minnesota – The Minnesota Vikings could face the Chicago Bears on Monday night at Soldier Field without two of their most important players: safety Harrison Smith and possibly left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Smith, who has been out due to a personal health issue since August 11, practiced on Saturday for the first time. However, he is listed as questionable on the Vikings’ injury report. He likely needs more practice and conditioning before he is ready to play. If he doesn’t participate, his replacement could be fourth-year safety Theo Jackson. Darrisaw, for his part, fully participated in Saturday’s practice, continuing his recovery from the torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee suffered last season. The team kept him out of a key practice on Thursday, as part of a plan to prepare him for regular season work, and he is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his gratitude that Darrisaw has put himself in a position to have the opportunity to play, but he made no firm predictions about his status. Darrisaw commented earlier this week:We will be able to have that conversation and find out if he is going to play this week.
Kevin O’Connell, Vikings coach
I have to have confidence in myself mentally and physically. I know I have to be there until the end. You don’t want to put yourself in a worse position, where you’re halfway there. When I have that confidence and know I’m ready to rock, I’ll be there for sure.
Christian Darrisaw, Vikings left tackle
