EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings' defense remains far from full strength, but it got some encouraging news Wednesday as the team began preparations to face the Bears.
Safety Harrison Smith, who missed last Thursday's game against the Cardinals with groin and hamstring injuries, was practicing during the open portion of Wednesday's session, and defensive tackle Linval Joseph was running on the side with athletic trainer Eric Sugarman. Safety Andrew Sendejo was also practicing after missing Thursday's game with a knee injury.
The Vikings still were without linebacker Anthony Barr because of a groin injury, and defensive end Everson Griffen also left after stretching at the beginning of practice.