The Minnesota Vikings are looking toward a massive matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and their defense is trending in a positive direction.

Smith is one of many Vikings players trying to get healthy enough to go for this week’s monster NFC North matchup with the archrival Green Bay Packers. A win Sunday would turn Minnesota’s Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field into a heads-up match for the division title and No. 1 overall playoff seed.

The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for their biggest game of the season and the final injury report brings plenty of good news.

SEATTLE — Vikings safety Harrison Smith was inactive for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He was listed as questionable heading into the game after navigating a foot injury this week.

Minnesota is expecting to get back linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and safety Harrison Smith from injury absences this week. Pace has spent the last four games on IR with a hamstring injury, but his window is being opened and he'll practice this week. It sounds like he's got a solid chance to play if he feels good in practice.

It's the first time Smith will miss a game due to injury since 2022. Smith is a key player on a Brian Flores-led defense and it'll be tough to replace his value, especially against an aggressive passing offense and Seattle quarterback Geno Smith.