EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Saturday activated tight end Irv Smith, Jr., and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard from Injured Reserve.

Minnesota (12-4) also ruled out safety Harrison Smith for Sunday's game against the Bears (3-13) in Chicago.

The team said Harrison Smith fully participated in all practices this week but began experiencing knee soreness Friday afternoon and has been ruled out.

Additionally, Minnesota announced it will use standard elevations for linebacker Ryan Connelly and guard Kyle Hinton.

Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith is traveling to Chicago separately. He was added to the injury report Friday because of a personal matter.

Irv Smith last played on Oct. 30 against Arizona. He has 22 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets in seven games. The 2019 second-round pick will rejoin a group that includes Johnny Mundt and has been bolstered by the acquisition of T.J. Hockenson, who has 59 receptions for 503 yards and three scores in nine games with the Vikings.

"It's unique … to get a player of Irv's caliber back at this point in the season, and he's worked so hard and been in every single day – either with his rehab throughout the process or in the meeting room. Just watching him throughout this process, just commit. A total pro. He's a player that I'm excited about," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday. "You talk about depth charts and how you have to list it, but when you get into different personnel groupings, however many tight ends you want to have on the field, to have a guy like that joining T.J. and Johnny is a real positive for our football team."

Bullard has played in 11 games and made seven starts in his first season with Minnesota. He has been sidelined since leaving the Jets game early in Week 13. Bullard has recorded 23 tackles, including five for losses this season.