Minnesota Vikings Linebacker is a Surprise Scratch vs Texans

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Ivan Pace Jr, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

We already knew the Minnesota Vikings were likely going to be without Jordan Addison and Dallas Turner, on Sunday vs the Houston Texans. Another player who has been on the injury report all week, but never missed a day of practice, was 2nd year linebacker, Ivan Pace Jr.

Surprise: Minnesota Vikings will be without Ivan Pace Jr vs Texans

So on Friday, when it was reported that Addison and Turner did not practice, nobody was surprised. But then, Kevin O’Connell walked up to the podium, afterwards, and announced three injured players who will not be active this weekend. They included the expected Addison, Turner… and, surprise, Ivan Pace Jr.

Not only has Pace Jr been dealing with a quad injury, but he also “tweaked” his ankle during yesterday’s practice, on top of it. That, according to KOC, was the proverbial dagger for Ivan’s availability on Sunday.

Ivan Pace Jr signed with the Minnesota Vikings, as an undrafted free agent in 2023, and immediately stuck out in camp, before eventually usurping Brian Asamoah, as a starting middle linebacker, going on to enjoy one of the best UDFA seasons in franchise history.

  • Ivan Pace Jr 2023 Stats: 102 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 9 QB Hits, 1 INT, 2 PD

In two games starting next to new teammate Blake Cashman, in 2024, Pace has totaled 15 tackles, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss. Unfortunately, he will not get an opportunity to add onto those totals vs the Houston Texans, on Sunday.

Related: Justin Jefferson Blames Himself for Injury

With Pace Jr out, we can expect to see more Brian Asamoah and/or Kamu Grugier-Hill.

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