EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Ihmir Smith-Marsette was feeling good enough about his return ability the other night — well, he seemingly always has — that he fielded a kickoff more than halfway into Minnesota’s end zone and did not hesitate to run it out.
The rookie’s rash decision contradicted what the Vikings have coached, reserving the automatic green light for certain situations or proven players such as Cordarrelle Patterson with his two All-Pro selections in four seasons with the team.
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Given the way their special teams units have deteriorated in recent years, sinking to a new low in 2020, even coach Mike Zimmer had a hard time getting upset by the risk Smith-Marsette took on Saturday in the exhibition game against Indianapolis.