Vikings S Harrison Smith may need surgery, sit season

By Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith may need surgery to correct a turf toe issue that could sideline him for the season, two people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't discussed details.

The plan for now is to try to let the injury heal, the people said. But Smith at minimum will miss Monday's game against the New York Giants and probably more. Two doctors have recommended surgery, one of the people said.

Andrew Sendejo replaced Smith after he dropped out of last weekend's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers and could start Monday in Smith's place. The other options are Mistral Raymond and Robert Blanton.

A first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 2012, Smith played a key role in revitalizing one of the NFL's worst secondaries as a rookie. That unit has struggled badly in the Vikings' 1-4 start.

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