Saturday night brought news that the Minnesota Vikings were bringing back future Hall of Fame safety Harrison Smith. It was a move that was both expected and unexpected, with it being unknown to everyone what his future would hold.

When he did end up committing to the Vikings for the 2026 season, it was a welcome addition to the defense. What we didn’t know was the corresponding roster move. Tuesday brought that piece of information.

Minnesota Vikings make corresponding roster move

Tuesday afternoon brought news that the Vikings had officially signed Smith, and they placed tight end Ben Yurosek on injured reserve. Luckily, it doesn’t appear to be a long-term injury.

Ben Yurosek’s injury isn’t expected to be a long-term issue. He should be back this season. https://t.co/ZLunxN8yEy

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 8, 2026

Yurosek was one of the final players who made the initial 53-man roster. An undrafted free agent from 2025 out of Georgia, Yurosek made the roster last year as well and played in multiple games. He was the TE3 all of last year and played well on special teams when given the opportunity. Having him as a developmental player is smart, and it could end up being the T.J. Hockenson replacement. There is still that potential moving forward, but Gavin Bartholomew will get the majority of those reps.

What placing Yurosek on injured reserve means is simple: the Vikings got to keep all of their defensive players without having to release them. It also gives them six safeties on the roster. Could the Vikings be looking to make a move with one of their safeties in a trade? Jay Ward is on the final year of his deal and Theo Jackson was benched toward the end of the season. If a team needs a depth safety, the Vikings now have a surplus at the position.

They could choose to keep all of them instead, which would prioritize the development of both Jacob and Jakobe Thomas, which would be a good thing.

There is still a lot to figure out with the Vikings ahead of Week 1.