Smith notched nine tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has back-to-back games with nine stops under his belt, bringing him to 49 tackles (37 solo) on the season. Since the season-opener, Smith hasn't logged a single contest with less than eight total tackles.

Smith managed nine tackles (five solo) and one pass breakup during Sunday's 19-17 win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has notched at least eight tackles in four straight games, bringing him to 40 total stops through five weeks. As usual, the veteran safety has also been an every-down contributor on defense. Smith will get a chance to continue racking up stats at Carolina in Week 6.

Smith had six total tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and a QB hit in Sunday's overtime loss at Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

Fresh off signing a four-year, $64 million extension, Smith got off to a strong start in 2021 while playing all 69 of the defense's snaps. It was also encouraging to see him involved in the pass rush, as he had just half a sack last season.

The Vikings signed Smith to a four-year, $64 million extension Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The safety has been a key cog in Mike Zimmer's defense for years and will now reap the benefits. The deal will keep Smith attached to the Vikings for the next five years and will increase his 2021 salary to $22.5 million before it levels off to $15.3 million over the next three seasons. During the 2020 campaign, the 32-year-old posted 89 tackles and tied his career-high with five interceptions. This year, Harrison will lead a revamped secondary as Minnesota added veterans Bashaud Breeland, Xavier Woods and Patrick Peterson this offseason.

Smith ended the season with 89 tackles (54 solo), a half sack, 10 pass breakups and five interceptions in 16 games.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has consistently put up solid numbers for Minnesota through his nine seasons with the team, and this year was no different. Playing 95.9 percent of the defensive snaps, the strong safety was a key member of the unit and will continue in that capacity next season in the last year of his current contract.

Smith (neck) has been cleared for Sunday's game versus the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith started the week as a non-participant in practice. He upgraded his participation in each session and was full speed Friday. The veteran safety is an every-snap player, and he's racked up 51 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions through 10 games.

Smith (neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was unable to get any work in during Wednesday's practice, so his limited participation is progress. This movement should give him a decent chance to play in Week 12 against Carolina. Smith has been a key in the Vikings' defense, reaminging on the field for all defensive snaps in seven games this season.

Smith (neck) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has played every snap on defense in four straight games. This appears to be a new injury, and he'll need to return to the practice field by Friday to have a chance to play Sunday against the Panthers. Smith has missed just one game since the 2016 season. Curtis Riley and Josh Metellus are candidates to fill in at strong safety if Smith sits out.

Smith isn't expected to be suspended for lowering his helmet on a hit against tight end Jordan Akins in Sunday's win over the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was ejected for his actions in the first half, and the league has decided that's enough punishment for the safety. The Vikings' pass defense is shaky enough and clearly struggled with Smith out of the picture, so having him back against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in Week 5 is encouraging news.

Smith was ejected from Sunday's game at Houston for lowering his helmet on a hit on Jordan Akins, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Akins was forced to leave the game and has since been ruled out with a concussion. Smith had three tackles before getting tossed and figures to receive a fine later this week for the play.