Vikings will be without Harrison Smith, Anthony Barr vs. Bears

Share

The Minnesota Vikings defense that held the Bears to their third-lowest yardage total of the season (305) will be without starting linebacker Anthony Barr (groin, hand) and All-Pro safety Harrison Smith (knee, hamstring) Sunday against the Bears.

Barr had a hit on quarterback Jay Cutler in a Week 8 meeting and it was a tackle by Smith that sidelined running back Matt Forte for the next three games. Barr and Smith missed the Vikings’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week.

Wide receiver Charles Johnson is also out, while starting defensive end Everson Griffen (shoulder) and tackle Linval Joseph (foot) are questionable.

[NBC SHOP: Gear up, Bears fans!]

Meanwhile, the Bears finished another week of practice with core players uncertain as well. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (calf) was able to practice on a limited basis after being held out on Thursday. Linebacker Pernell McPhee, who missed a Week 14 loss to the Washington Redskins, was limited with his ongoing knee injury and is again questionable.

Nickel cornerback Bryce Callahan (quad) did not practice on Friday, is listed as doubtful and is not expected to be available on Sunday. No. 2 nickel corner Sherrick McManis, who sat out Wednesday and Thursday practices getting over a concussion, went through a limited practice and is questionable, as is starting corner Tracy Porter (ankle), defensive lineman Will Sutton (knee) and tight end Zach Miller.

Contact Us