EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith is expected to make a full recovery from a personal health issue that caused him to miss the final two weeks of training camp, sources said Thursday. But his timetable for returning to practice, and his availability for the start of the regular season, remains uncertain.

Smith has been named to six Pro Bowls and, even at 36, remains one of the Vikings' top defensive players. Minnesota routinely gives veterans rest days during training camp, but Smith's last day of practice was Aug. 11. Two days later, coach Kevin O'Connell said Smith was away from the team because of an illness.

Smith was not seen at any subsequent practice, nor at either of the Vikings' final two preseason games. His status is being evaluated weekly, the source

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