The Minnesota Vikings brought back long-time veteran safety Harrison Smith last week after the unfortunate, season-ending injury to linebacker/safety Jamal Adams. It is a reunion that many were unsure would ultimately happen,

Amid swirling doubts over work ethic and cold-weather grit, the All-Pro receiver silences critics by praising his new quarterback’s unexpected leadership and elite arm talent.

That said, the Packers were 9-3-1 and in first place in the NFC North entering Week 15 before losing their final four regular-season games after star pass rusher Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL. The slide continued in the postseason when Green Bay squandered a 21-3 halftime lead and lost 31-27 to Chicago in the Wild Card round.

J.J. McCarthy dropped to third string as Carson Wentz was named backup behind starter Kyler Murray for the Vikings' Week 1 matchup vs. the Packers.

Aug 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) runs for a touchdown ahead of Minnesota Vikings safety Jakobe Thomas (8) and safety Kahlef