Minnesota Vikings place Harrison Smith on injured reserve designated to return

The Minnesota Vikings have announced that they have placed defensive back Harrison Smith on their injured reserve designated to return list.

The 24-year-old sustained a turf toe injury in his side's defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and the team made the move to put him on IR return to save a roster spot in his absence.

Smith will now be out for eight weeks which will see him return to action in week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Vikings are 1-4 in their season going into week seven.