Vikings Coach Gives Honest Answer About Fan Favorite All-Pro
The Minnesota Vikings are happy to have All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith back on the field after he missed the first two weeks of the regular season with an undisclosed illness.
However, the Vikings are also being smart with the 36-year-old veteran.
Now in his 14th NFL season, Smith is a six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. The Vikings want to ensure he is healthy and available down the stretch of the campaign. As such, they are taking the proper precautions.
Vikings Taking Deliberate Approach With Harrison Smith
Smith’s playing time, or lack thereof, has not gone unnoticed by Vikings fans, even those with ties to the coaching staff.
“[Vikings defensive coordinator] Brian Flores said today that even his sons have been asking him why Harrison Smith hasn’t played more snaps,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reported on X on October 2. “Like Smith and Kevin O’Connell, Flores explained that there is a pre-discussed rampup underway after Smith missed the majority of training camp.”
Flores, like many Vikings fans and fellow coaches, is a big fan of Smith’s.
“I think he adds an element of disguise, acumen, experience,” Flores told reporters after Smith’s first game back. “I was excited for him to get out there in front of the home crowd.
“We get the starting 11. We had to go 12 because Harry’s got to come out. That was good. That was good to kind of hear that the crowd roar for him, because he’s such a – he is the epitome of a Viking, and it was great to have him out there.”
Still, the Vikings have indeed long planned to take the cautious road with Smith
Kevin O’Connell Explains Plan for Harrison Smith
“It’s just a matter of time back on the grass,” O’Connell told reporters in early September before Smith’s season debut in Week 3. “It’s definitely not mental. He’s been doing this long enough to stay sharp. But yeah, it’s more of a physical ramp up for him as we move forward.”
Seifert previously laid out just how judiciously the Vikings have used Smith in his two games played this season.
“Harrison Smith has been a sub package player in each of his first two games back from a personal health issue,” Seifert posted on X on September 29. “He recorded 17 snaps Sunday in Dublin after playing 22 in Week 3 vs. Bengals. That’s roughly 35% of the Vikings‘ defensive snaps over the 2-week period.”
Smith is not looking to rock the boat, understanding that he is going through a process.
Harrison Smith Gets Honest About Ramp-Up Process
Smith has not shared much about his illness, but he shared a post on Facebook in September thanking fans for their support during his ordeal. More recently, he expressed a willingness to do whatever is asked of him and the difficulties of being a rotation player.
Smith had started every game he played in since 2013 before this season.
“I’m not sure [what the plan is] yet. Pretty flexible. And, yeah. Kind of like I’ve said the past couple weeks, just building just building it [stamina] back,” Smith told reporters on October 1.
“I think just normally playing every snap, you kind of tend to get in a flow a little bit easier. So, just trying to figure that out, which it’s not like rocket science or anything. But that’s about it, really. Just staying warm on the sideline, being alert, ready whenever I’m going in.”
Taysom Hill Returns to Practice, Poised to Start at Quarterback for Saints
Taysom Hill Begins Practice, Poised to Make Return as Saints’ Starting Quarterback in Next Game
In a move that has sparked excitement among New Orleans Saints fans, Taysom Hill has returned to practice and is preparing for a potential start as the team’s quarterback in their upcoming game. After recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him last season, Hill is back to full health and ready to contribute to a Saints team that has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position.
Hill, who has proven himself as a versatile weapon for the Saints over the years, has always been a player who can change the game with his mobility, arm strength, and leadership. Known for his dual-threat ability, Hill has spent much of his career playing a hybrid role at quarterback and tight end. However, with the Saints currently facing a quarterback crisis, Hill is now positioned to reclaim the starting role that he briefly held in previous seasons.
A Fresh Start for the Saints
The Saints’ offense has been stagnant in recent weeks, and despite the presence of talented players like wide receiver Chris Olave, the team has struggled to find rhythm under center. With both Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton failing to ignite the offense, the coaching staff has decided to turn to Hill in hopes of bringing a spark to a unit that has underperformed.
Taysom Hill’s ability to make plays with his legs, combined with his strong arm, gives the Saints a dynamic weapon that they have lacked in recent seasons. The coaching staff believes Hill’s unique skill set could help them become more unpredictable and explosive in their offensive schemes.
A Dual-Threat Quarterback
Hill’s return to the starting quarterback role marks a shift in the Saints' approach to their offensive strategy. As a quarterback, Hill has shown that he can make plays in both the passing and running game, and his ability to extend plays with his legs makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Hill’s time as a hybrid player, where he often filled in at quarterback in short-yardage situations, has given him a unique understanding of how to keep defenses on their toes.
While Hill’s consistency as a passer has been a question in the past, his proven ability to lead the team in the running game could be what the Saints need to revive their offense. If Hill can use his running ability to complement his passing game, the Saints could have a weapon unlike anything they’ve seen in recent seasons.
What This Means for the Saints’ Season
With the Saints sitting at 2-3 and their playoff hopes still within reach, the decision to go with Hill as the starting quarterback is a bold one. The team’s success moving forward may depend on how quickly Hill can get up to speed in the starting role. The Saints are hoping that Hill’s leadership and ability to make big plays will provide the spark the team needs to turn things around.
Hill has always had the full support of his teammates, who believe in his ability to lead the team in tough situations. With a strong offensive line and talented skill players, Hill may be just the player the Saints need to get back on track and compete in the NFC South.
A New Beginning for Taysom Hill and the Saints
The next few games will be crucial for both Hill and the Saints. If Hill can bring his best to the field and stay healthy, he could lead the Saints back to relevance and make a push for the playoffs. His return to the starting role offers the Saints a fresh start—a chance to reignite their offense and keep their season alive.
