Minnesota Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith has had a rocky start to his NFL career thus far. The latest hurdle came when he recently tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Through the screening process, doctors discovered an abnormality with Smith's heart. His illness will force him to miss the entirety of the 2020 season.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker head coach Mike Zimmer disclosed updates regarding Smith's situation:

“I talk to Cam a little bit, but I'll keep those (conversations) between us,” the Vikings coach said. “He's a great kid. It's disappointing for him. But honestly, it's probably a blessing that this happened. He'll be able to live a normal life and there's a possibility he can play football. So he's been really excited about. He's out there every day. He watches and kind of helps coach the guys. He said he'll do anything. He wants to be here the whole year. So whether it's helping break down film or helping guys doing anything, he just wants to be around and that's why he'll be a success with this, too.”

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Smith said that doctors told him he could get back to resume his NFL career with the Vikings sometime in the future but he will be needing three post-op months before resuming weightlifting.

The Vikings selected him with the 162nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was constantly switched between the active roster and the practice squad as a rookie last season. The former USC Trojan managed to appear in five games and tallied eight tackles last season.