The Minnesota Vikings are 13-2, in reach to clinch the NFC North with a couple of victories over the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. A spot in the postseason is already secured, but it remains to be seen which seed it will be for Kevin O’Connell in his third year in charge of the organization.
The Missing Piece Returns to Vikings Practice
The head coach has given some injury updates on Monday, a day after the eighth consecutive win. He emphasized that safety Harrison Smith will ramp up his work this week, and he’s expected to be available on Sunday for what could be his final home game.
Jalen Redmond was forced to sit out the game, too, because he is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. O’Connell was optimistic about his return against Green Bay, but predicting concussions is always tough. And the third guy who could return is linebacker Ivan Pace.
Head coach O’Connell revealed that the Vikings will open Pace’s practice window on Monday. He can then return to practice, and the franchise can activate him from IR at any point within the next 21 days. If they don’t, he’s out for the season.
Vikings beat writer for The Athletic Alec Lewis tweeted: “Vikings are opening up LB Ivan Pace Jr.’s window today. He’ll practice this week.”
Pace has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the win over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings subsequently placed him on IR; this week is his earliest possible return date.
The linebacker has been replaced by do-it-all defender Josh Metellus, who is getting more run at linebacker, and backups Kamu Grugier-Hill and Jamin Davis in certain sets.
Still, the Vikings are at their best when the linebacker duo of Blake Cashman and Pace is united, patrolling the second level of the defense. Cashman is a true three-down linebacker, while Pace is a disruptor at the line of scrimmage who can blow up runs and fill run fits like few others.
Pace arrived in the Twin Cities after the 2023 draft when the first-team All-American linebacker couldn’t get a call and landed in the pool of undrafted free agents. The Vikings made sure to add the undersized linebacker to the 90-man offseason roster. His ability to blitz from the second level made him a perfect fit for Brian Flores’ defense.
However, nobody could’ve expected him to clinch a starting spot and become much more than just a specialist. He’s the real deal.
In the 2024 season, he has played in nine games, recording 59 tackles and three sacks.
His comeback would come at a perfect time as the Packers with Josh Jacobs come to U.S. Bank Stadium, and their rushing attack is one of the league’s best. In the following week, the Vikings want to challenge the Lions for the division crown, and they also come with an electric running game.
Pace, 24 years old, is a staple in Minnesota’s defensive unit and a major upgrade over the rotation the team has had next to Cashman to replace him. Versatility is key, and the sophomore can give Flores another option to infuse even more chaos.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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