Smith (knee) returned to practice Friday and is listed as questionable against Atlanta, but head coach Mike Zimmer said he expects him to play, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith hurt his knee early in last week's loss to Green Bay but was able to play a full game. He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but it sounds like he just needed some rest. Still, check to make sure he's active Sunday.

Smith did not practice Wednesday due to a sore knee but expects to play Sunday against Atlanta, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith hurt his knee early in last week's loss to Green Bay but was able to play a full game. It sounds like he just needs some rest for the injury, but check to see if he practices Friday.

Smith started at free safety had nine total tackles in Monday's loss at San Francisco.

EDGE Analysis

Smith also leveled a hard hit on Colin Kaepernick during a run, but otherwise had a quiet game. Smith had three sacks and five interceptions last season, so he'll have more disruptive games.

Minnesota exercised the fifth-year option in Smith's contract for 2016, ESPN reports. Minnesota will likely try to sign Smith to a longer extension at some point in the next year as he's become a cornerstone of the team's defense.

Smith underwent surgery on two fingers on his left hand but isn't expected to miss any of Minnesota's offseason program, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Smith said the splint on his fingers ought to be removed in "a couple days," so it sounds like the procedure was very minor. Smith is poised to be one of the league's elite IDPs again in 2015.

Smith had an interception and five total tackles in Sunday's loss at Miami. Smith made an outstanding play where he batted down a pass on a blitz, caught the ball and nearly scored a touchdown except for a savvy tackle by Ryan Tannehill. He also dropped an easy potential interception earlier in the game, so Smith's fantasy output could have been much greater.

Smith had eight total tackles and a sack in Sunday's win over Carolina. SMtih has been more active in the pass rush this season with two sacks. He was limited in practice last week with a sore shoulder and ankle, but it didn't appear to be an issue on Sunday.

Smith (shoulder/ankle) is listed as active Sunday against the Panthers. Smith was handed maintenance time this week as he built up to a full practice by Friday, but any injury concerns won't hinder his ability to man free safety in Week 13. He's a fair bet to notch his fifth interception of the season versus Cam Newton, who enters with a seven-game streak tossing at least one pick.

Smith (shoulder/ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against Carolina. Smith missed some practice time this week, but that was evidently for rest purposes rather than recovery. His status isn't in question for Sunday, and the playmaking safety is a fine on-paper IDP play given Cam Newton's accuracy issues of late.

Smith (shoulder/ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. With some practice under his belt this week, Smith should be able to achieve active status Sunday against the Panthers. The safety has posted two 10-tackle performances in the last three, during which he's totaled 23 tackles (18 solo) and one interception.