Safety Harrison Smith won't be able to clear the concussion protocol before the Vikings' kickoff against the Lions on Sunday, and he has been ruled out.
Smith, the 33-year-old former All-Pro selection, did not practice this week after suffering the concussion on Monday night against the Eagles. He will miss his first game to injury since 2016. Smith sat out only three games in that span: two due to COVID-19 protocols and one to rest. Head coach Kevin O'Connell declined to name Smith's replacement in the lineup.
Either Josh Metellus or Lewis Cine, the first-round pick who made his NFL debut last week, will start for Smith.