Vikings vs Jets: Latest Ivan Pace Jr Injury Update Brings Optimism for Week 5
The Minnesota Vikings have been without a few key players, over the past couple of weeks. Both Jordan Addison and Dallas Turner returned last week, against the Green Bay Packers. Now, it looks like Ivan Pace Jr. will be packing more than just his passport this week, too.
Minnesota Vikings defense would get boost from Ivan Pace Jr.
After he missed the past two weeks, due to an ankle/quad injuries, the standout second-year undrafted free agent is an integral part of the defense, even if he doesn’t wear the green dot anymore. Pace’s explosion onto the NFL scene has been nothing short of spectacular.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores missed him in the second half vs Green Bay, where his defense was admittedly tired, allowing the Packers to nearly pull off what would have been a devastating comeback. Fortunately, it sounds like Ivan Pace Jr will bring his pads to London, where head coach Kevin O’Connell expects him to play vs the New York Jets.
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell on LB Ivan Pace Jr.: "Hoping to have IP back this week. He was close."
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 30, 2024
In two games to start the season, Pace Jr. has racked up 15 tackles including a tackle for loss and quarterback hit. He is the perfect type of player to be deployed in Brian Flores’ defense. His ability to contribute across multiple levels is an irreplaceable trait.
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Minnesota’s defense has been among the best in the league, thus far. But the Packers comeback last week is worrisome. Getting Ivan Pace Jr. back should help, though.
Vikings get Aaron Rodgers for first time under Flores
He was brought over to the New York Jets with the intention of taking them to the Super Bowl. So far they couldn’t look further from being capable. Rodgers will face a Vikings defense led by Brian Flores, for the first time ever. Too bad it won’t be at U.S. Bank Stadium…
Electric play from Ivan Pace Jr. shooting into the backfield on the run stop inside the 5.
— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) September 17, 2024
Also a great play by the rookie Taki Taimani, driving the C back and keeping himself clean to get in on the tackle. He should have been credited with an assist here imo. pic.twitter.com/TWFkCzjuEq
Through the first four weeks of the season, New York has twice been held below 20 points. Their only wins have come against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans. Last week against the hapless Denver Broncos, Robert Saleh’s team failed to find the end zone and lost 10-9.
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Rodgers has a 5/1 TD/INT ratio, but has averaged just slightly over 200 yards passing per game. The Vikings will look to improve to 5-0 in London, and head into the bye-week still undefeated.
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