Vikings lose Ivan Pace Jr. to injured reserve after hamstring injury
- Ivan Pace Jr. was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained during a game against the Chicago Bears.
- The Vikings also activated Gabriel Murphy and signed Jamin Davis from the Packers' practice squad to reinforce their linebacker position.
- These roster changes highlight the Vikings' efforts to maintain competitiveness in light of injuries as they approach a crucial matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
In the United States, the Minnesota Vikings have made significant roster changes following a recent game. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a hamstring injury during the team's 30-27 overtime victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. This decision, announced on Tuesday, means he will have to miss at least the next four games, impacting the team's defense significantly. During his time on the field this season, Pace, a 23-year-old undrafted free agent from Cincinnati, made an impressive contribution by recording 56 tackles, including six for loss, and achieving three sacks. His absence could challenge the Vikings' defensive strategy in their upcoming match-ups. Additionally, the Vikings have activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve. Murphy, who is 24 years old, had been sidelined since late August due to an injury. He signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in the spring and will likely play a crucial role in filling the defensive gaps created by Pace's injury. In efforts to strengthen their linebacker unit, the Vikings have also signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Davis, who is 25 years old, was picked 19th overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2021 draft and has valuable experiences, having recorded 282 tackles, seven sacks, and one interception throughout his career in the NFL. He led the Commanders last season with a career-high of 104 tackles. This addition seems aimed at bolstering the team's defensive lineup, especially with the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, as the Vikings stand with a solid record of 9-2 this season. The timing of these roster changes suggests a focused approach by the Vikings management to maintain their competitive edge while dealing with player injuries. Adding experienced players like Jamin Davis may provide a defensive boost as the Vikings prepare to break the next stage of the season and push toward a potential playoff run.