Smith had 14 tackles (eight solo), three sacks and a forced fumble in Sunday's 21-13 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith arguably had the best statistical performance of his six-time Pro Bowl career in Week 4. His 14 combined tackles were a single-game best, as were his three sacks. In fact, the 12-year pro previously never had more than three sacks in a single season. His forced fumble was also significant, coming on one of his three sacks of Bryce Young, which was then scooped up by D.J. Wonnum and taken in for a touchdown that gave the Vikings a 14-13 lead late in the third quarter. Smith now has 28 tackles (17 solo) in the 2023 campaign and will work to keep that momentum rolling in Week 5 against the Chiefs.

Smith started at strong safety and had four total tackles in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

It's a little concerning for Smith's fantasy value that he didn't register and QB pressure stats in the pass rush even though the Vikings under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores utilize more blitzes. He could be more of a factor on blitzes later in the season, but otherwise had a solid game in coverage.

Smith agreed to a restructured two-year contract to remain in Minnesota on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The new deal will pay Smith $8 million in 2023, with $2 million in incentives. Smith has played his entire 11-year career with Minnesota, posting at least 78 tackles in each of the last seven seasons.

Smith posted 85 tackles (66 solo) and 10 passes defended, including five interceptions, over 14 games in the 2022 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Smith continued his do-it-all role on the back end of Minnesota's defense despite playing fewer than 15 regular-season games for the first time since 2016. While his tackling production took a dip following his career-best 114-tackle campaign last season, the 33-year-old safety still maintained a prominent role in pass coverage, matching his career high for interceptions while also posting double-digit passes defended for the fifth time. Smith is set to incur a $19.4 million cap hit next season, so it's unclear if the Vikings might either restructure this contract or move on from him in order to alleviate their difficult cap situation heading into 2023.

Smith (knee) is active Sunday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's active status Sunday doesn't come as a surprise as it was reported earlier by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that he would play. However, this makes the veteran safety's return to action official.

Smith (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Giants, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was a limited participant in practice throughout the week after he sat out the team's regular-season finale. Assuming he does take the field for the wild-card round, it'll certainly be a boost for the Vikings secondary.

Smith (knee) is questionable for Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Giants, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who didn't play in the regular-season finale due to a knee injury, was limited at practice Wednesday through Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday. The veteran safety is a key part of Minnesota's defense, so his potential absence would be a significant blow.

Smith (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Smith sat out the Vikings' regular-season finale due to knee soreness and remains limited to start prep ahead of the wild-card weekend. The veteran safety is an integral part of Minnesota's defense and likely won't need to participate much in practice to be cleared for Sunday's matchup against the Giants. Either way, he'll have two more opportunities to log a full session before the team needs to make a decision on his status for the playoff matchup.

Smith (knee) will not play in Sunday's game against the Bears, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith developed what the Vikings believe to be some knee soreness following the team's practice Friday, per Seifert, and it appears Minnesota is taking the precautious route heading into the playoffs. The 33-year-old safety has recorded 85 tackles and 10 passes defended, including five interceptions, this season. No matter the outcome of this Week 18 contest, Minnesota is guaranteed to host a home playoff game during the wild-card round of the playoffs, so it will be worth keeping an eye on Smith's practice activity early on next week.

Smith (neck) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is coming off a one-game absence due to a neck injury. After a limited workload at Tuesday's practice, his full participation Wednesday indicates he is on track to return in Saturday's contest against the Colts, Barring any setbacks, look for him to resume his duties at safety.