EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith was doing rehab work with athletic trainer Eric Sugarman during the open portion of the team's practice on Wednesday, but coach Mike Zimmer said he expects Smith will return from a sprained left ankle in time to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Smith had an MRI that showed no significant damage to his ankle after he played every snap in the Vikings' loss to the Green Bay Packers and got his ankle re-taped several times during the game. He did not practice on Tuesday, but "he did a lot" in the Vikings' Wednesday morning walk-through, Zimmer said.
"I expect he's probably going to play," Zimmer said.
In the meantime, the Vikings are working safety Andrew Sendejo in Smith's spot during practice, giving themselves a chance to evaluate the safety after he missed much of the preseason with injuries. Sendejo could push Robert Blanton for playing time opposite Smith if the Vikings look to make changes in their defense after a 42-10 loss to the Packers.
"We look at everybody," Zimmer said. "He's done a good job on special teams, and he has a knack for finding the football."
Linebacker Chad Greenway was also working with Sugarman during the open portion of the Vikings' practice, and could try to practice this week after missing the Vikings' last two games. At this point, Zimmer said, Greenway is being affected more by his three broken ribs than he is by his broken hand.
Greenway, though, was able to do some running drills during practice on Wednesday, and Zimmer said the 31-year-old is "starting to be pain-free," so Greenway could be getting closer to a return.
