Vikings coach Mike Zimmer lauded Harrison Smith’s toughness Wednesday but neither confirmed for denied a Pioneer Press report that the free safety’s sprained ankle would sideline him Sunday at Jacksonville and put his season in jeopardy.
“I know Harrison Smith is a pretty tough guy and he plays all the time,” Zimmer said. “When he’s hurt, he plays. He always plays, so I don’t care about reports. I just go by what happens in practice.”
Smith missed his second straight practice Wednesday, joining defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd as only Vikings players who did not participate at the Winter Park field house.
Punt returner Marcus Sherels (rib), center Joe Berger (concussion), defensive tackle Tom Johnson (toe), defensive end Everson Griffen (hip) and linebacker Edmond Robinson (hamstring) were limited.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (ankle) were full participants are are expected to play against the Jaguars.
Anthony Harris and Jayron Kearse are in line to replace Smith. Kearse started in place of injured strong safety Andrew Sendejo Oct. 31 at Chicago but was benched after the opening series and split time with Harris in the rest of the 20-10 loss to the Bears.
A source told the Pioneer Press on Tuesday that an MRI determined Smith suffered a grade 3 sprain to his left ankle — a complete tear of the ligament — an injury he originally suffered Nov. 20 against Arizona and aggravated last week against Dallas.
After a 17-15 loss to the Cowboys, he left the locker room on crutches, his left foot in a walking boot. The source said Smith eventually might need surgery. For now, the plan is for doctors to evaluate him on a week-to-week basis.