With all due respect to Adrian Peterson, his absence was overshadowed by Harrison Smith’s presence.
Peterson missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday because of a groin injury, but Smith returned to the field for the first time since suffering an ankle injury vs. the Cowboys on Dec. 1. At this point, with Peterson ineffective and out of sync with the offense and the Vikings defense needing reinforcements heading to Lambeau Field on Saturday, it’s a bigger deal that the Pro Bowl safety Smith appears ready to play again this week as opposed to the former Pro Bowl running back looking more doubtful to play again this season.