EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to deal with a resurgent Green Bay Packers passing game, they've got a chance to get one of their most important defenders back in time for Saturday's game.
Safety Harrison Smith, who has missed the Vikings' last two games with a sprained left ankle, practiced for the first time since the injury on Thursday and seems to be making progress toward a return. Smith said he felt good in practice, and while he would not say whether he'll play Saturday, he's certainly taking steps in the right direction.