The Minnesota Vikings ’ J.J. McCarthy era started with a bang as the second-year quarterback led the team to a wild comeback win over the Chicago Bears in the season opener. Minnesota hopes to carry that momentum into Week 2’s matchup against the 0-1 Atlanta Falcons. However, the Vikings could once again be without veteran safety Harrison Smith.

While Smith returned to a limited practice, he’s still recovering from an illness that sidelined him for nearly a month. The 14th-year veteran is working his way back into game shape. But the Vikings may decide to wait another week before playing him, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Smith was ruled out for Week 1’s game against the Bears. The 36-year-old defender was too sick to travel with the team to Chicago. The unspecified ill

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