Smith’s return-to-form effort continues as stamina builds; expect him to be a stabilizing presence in Minnesota’s secondary while managing reps for Week 2.

Smith’s return from a health matter brings veteran leadership and a potential conditioning boost, but the Vikings are fluid on readiness and haven’t placed him on IR, leaving fantasy managers to gauge practice reports and snap counts.

Harrison Smith discusses Minnesota's defensive identity, emphasizing the front seven, discipline in coverage, and the unit's recent improvement. His take frames fantasy implications for Vikings’ defense and indicators for opponents’ plans against running and passing games.

Smith’s absence tests Minnesota’s back end, thrusting Theo Jackson and Josh Metellus into bigger roles. Fantasy angles include streaming safeties in favorable matchups as the Vikings lean on younger coverage in Smith’s stead.

Smith’s illness out creates a vacancy in Minnesota’s defense, particularly in the safety rotation. His absence invites the rest of the secondary to compensate and potentially elevates Chicago’s intermediate passing opportunities. Fantasy impact centers on the Vikings’ ability to maintain coverage integrity and limit big plays.