On Sunday, when the Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings, they’ll be greeted by a familiar face. After mulling retirement well into the beginning of training camp, veteran safety Harrison Smith returned to the NFC North rival and sits atop the depth chart heading into Week 1.
The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro has played in 207 career games over 14 seasons, all with the Vikings. Meanwhile, Smith has faced off against the Packers 26 times, recording 105 tackles (eight for loss), 11 pass defenses, six interceptions, five QB hits, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in those contests.
Packers Must Be Aware of Harrison Smith, Despite His Age
At Smith’s age, now 37, most players have already walked away from the game, or at the very least begun to slow down significantly. However, last season, he ranked 30th in Pro Football Focus defensive grade (69.1) and 27th in coverage grade (69.2), among 98 qualified safeties.
Smith is expected to start on Sunday against the Packers, though snaps may be limited since he didn’t participate in training camp. Regardless, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur expects to see the veteran at 100 percent.
“He’s been in the system for many years. I think it’s going to be a pretty quick learning curve for him,” LaFleur told Jason B. Hirschhorn of The Leap. “It’s just going to be where he’s at physically. From what I’ve been told, this guy’s crazy about taking care of his body.”
Packers WR ‘Respects’ Harrison Smith, But is Prepared for Any Challenge from Vikings D
Entering his fifth NFL season with the Packers, wideout Christian Watson has seen plenty of Smith over the years. While he admits the 15-year vet presents a challenge, he and his teammates are approaching Sunday’s rivalry matchup like any other game.
“I respect everything that he’s done in his career,” Watson told reporters earlier this week. “He’s been a great player for them. So, I mean, he’s definitely going to bring a different vibe to that defense for sure. But I mean, I think regardless of who was out there, I think we’re going to approach it the same way.”
Watson has something to prove in Week 1, as he hasn’t fared very well against Smith and the Vikings secondary. In five career games against Minnesota, the 27-year-old has recorded 11 receptions for 127 yards.
