SEATTLE >> Vikings safety Harrison Smith was inactive for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He was listed as questionable heading into the game after navigating a foot injury this week.

It marks the first time the Smith, 35, has missed a game under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He hasn’t missed a game in any capacity since the 2022 season, when he sat out the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.

There were hints that Smith might not be available for this Vikings. He was listed as a nonparticipant on Thursday and as a limited participant on Friday. The fact that veteran safety Bobby McCain was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday served as another indicator.

Asked if Smith was close to playing, head coach Kevin O’Connell noted how the Vikings were trying to be smart about how they handled him. It also sounds as if Smith will be available for the Vikings next week when they host the Green Bay Packers.

“It was truly a gameday decision with him,” O’Connell said. “He’s a guy that sometimes we’ve got to make the decision to sit him down. Otherwise, he’s going to go. We knew he was dealing with some significant soreness that just kind of never kind of turned over.”

The way that the Vikings filled the void against the Seahawks was interesting. They mixed the reps with McCain and reserve safety Theo Jackson filling Smith’s role. That’s because safety Josh Metellus played almost exclusively at linebacker.

It was poetic that Jackson had arguably the biggest play of the game for the defense as he intercepted quarterback Geno Smith with less than a minute left to help the Vikings put the finishing touches on a 27-24 win over the Seahawks.

“I saw him throw it and I was kind of confused myself as to why he threw it,” Jackson said. “I’m going to catch it if he throws to me. It was super exciting. I’m still coming down from the adrenaline right now.”

That play from Jackson was a microcosm of the identity the Vikings have built on defense.

“We preach to our guys that no matter who it is, we are going to step in there and make the play,” O’Connell said. “We have seen that happen a few times this season.”

Van Ginkel steps up

Although the Vikings had some trouble getting to Smith with any sort of regularity, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel got home twice, recording a pair of sacks that helped the defense get off the field.

Pressure generated by the pass rush also played a role in Smith throwing a pair of interceptions.

“We were able to put pressure on him and get him flustered and force those errant throws,” Van Ginkel said. “When we have that complementary football, we know we can be dangerous, so we’ve got to continue to build and get better.”

Jones has early success

It could have been an even bigger game for running back Aaron Jones given the way he started. After gashing the defense with a couple of explosive runs on the opening drive, Jones finished with 18 carries for 67 yards.

How did he feel he performed?

“I felt like I could’ve done a little better in the run game,” Jones said. “I had an opportunity to bounce a run and I kind of stayed inside. Overall, I think I performed pretty well. I aways can do better.”

Briefly

The other inactives for the Vikings included cornerback Fabian Moreau, defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, tight end Nick Muse, center Dan Feeney, right tackle Walter Rouse and quarterback Brett Rypien.