Vikings Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith will miss Sunday’s game at Jacksonville because of a high left ankle sprain and it’s not out of the question he could be out the remainder of the regular season, a source said Tuesday.

Smith was hurt Nov. 20 against Arizona and aggravated the injury in games Nov. 24 at Detroit and Thursday against Dallas. He left after the Cowboys game on crutches and with his left foot in a boot.

The source said an MRI determined Smith has a grade 3 sprain, which is the most severe type of sprained ankle, and is defined by a complete tear of the ligament.

The source said Smith eventually could need surgery. For now, the plan is for doctors to evaluate him on a week-to-week basis.

There is hope Smith could return to play late in the regular season, perhaps putting off surgery, if that is deemed his best option for long-term recovery. With four games remaining, much could depend on whether the Vikings (6-6) remain in the playoff race.

In addition to Smith, not practicing Tuesday for the Vikings were defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) and linebacker Edmond Robinson (undisclosed injury). Returning after sitting out against the Cowboys were center Joe Berger (concussion) and cornerbacks Marcus Sherels (rib) and Mackensie Alexander (groin). Related Articles Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77

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Smith, a five-year veteran, made his first Pro Bowl last season and is second in fan voting for this season’s team among free safeties. Fans, coaches and players vote on Pro Bowl selections, with each group counting one-third.

Seattle’s Earl Thomas leads all free safeties in fan voting. He was lost for the season Sunday with a broken leg.

Smith’s injury is the latest of many the Vikings have suffered this season. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and tackles Matt Kalil, Andre Smith and Jake Long are among those having been lost for the year, and it remains to be seen if running back Adrian Peterson can return from a knee injury suffered in Week 2.

Sherels, the Vikings’ punt returner, suffered a fractured rib against Arizona that has forced him to miss the past two games. Overall, injuries have kept him out of four of the past six games, and Minnesota’s ability to return punts has suffered.

Sherels is fourth in the NFL with an average of 13.4 yards on 17 returns while replacements Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Cordarrelle Patterson have combined to average just 4.4 yards on 12 returns.

In the Vikings’ six wins, Sherels has averaged 15.4 yards on 14 returns. In their six losses, Sherels has had just three returns and overall Minnesota has averaged 4.3 yards on 15 returns.