Vikings' Smith, Waynes downgraded to out vs. Falcons

The Minnesota Vikings secondary suddenly looks very vulnerable with a key contest against the Atlanta Falcons looming.

Both safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Trae Waynes were ruled out for Sunday's game, a day after the team announced each player as questionable to play.

Smith has a knee injury, while Waynes is battling a bum ankle.

The Vikings and Falcons are each vying for position in what promises to be a thrilling NFC playoff race. With Smith and Waynes sidelined, the Falcons could look to exploit what appears to be a major mismatch in Julio Jones versus the Vikings' defensive secondary.