Vikings hit with brutal Harrison Smith setback before Monday’s opener

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith | Ric Tapia/GettyImagesDespite the Minnesota Vikings listing Harrison Smith as doubtful on the final injury report for Week 1, the team was hoping that the All-Pro safety would still be able to suit up against the Chicago Bears on Monday.

Well, any speculation about Smith playing in Chicago was put to rest on Sunday after the Vikings downgraded the veteran defender to out for the team's Week 1 matchup. This will be the first regular-season opener that Smith has ever missed in his 14-year NFL career.

Without their longtime safety on the field, the pressure will be on Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward to make sure the back end of the secondary…