Smith has played 192 regular season games and will turn 36 in February. He pondered retirement before this season, eventually agreeing to come back on a restructured contract in March. But Smith said this won’t be “the same as last offseason” because “My life’s different ... I’m older.” Smith enters the 2025 season as a free agent, but it doesn’t sound like he’s especially likely to continue playing.

Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is listed as questionable. Smith missed Week 16 with the foot issue but is back in action for Minnesota’s NFC North showdown with the Packers. The veteran safety has two interceptions and nine pass breakups this year.

Smith will miss his first game since the 2022 season with a foot injury that kept him sidelined during practice in recent days. It’s a small setback for a Vikings defense giving up the second lowest EPA per play in 2024. Minnesota will also be without Moreau against a struggling Seattle passing offense.