Ivan Pace Jr. Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Vikings vs Packers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 24, 2025
Returns to role on defense
Pace started at middle linebacker in a three-linebacker formation and had four total tackles and a QB hit in Thursday's loss at the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Pace didn't play a snap on defense the prior week as he was limited to special teams with the return of Blake Cashman from injury. However, Pace returned to play on 17 of the defene's 72 snaps, including the opening formation. It looks he's still behind Cashman and Eric Wilson for playing time at linebacker, but will still be used in certain formations.
Oct 20, 2025
Benched in loss
Pace was benched in Sunday's loss to the Eagles in favor of Eric Wilson with Blake Cashman returning from injured reserve, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Pace didn't play a snap on defense, but did play 23 snaps on special teams. He had 10 missed tackles in the five previous game, according to Pro Football Focus, which could have been a factor. He could get back into the mix at some point if there's an injury or the Vikings use there-linebacker formations.
Oct 7, 2025
Logs first sack of 2025
Pace registered four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, during Sunday's 21-17 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Pace got to Dillon Gabriel for a two-yard loss early in the fourth quarter, which led to the Browns punting on the next play. It was Pace's first sack of the regular season, and the third-year linebacker is up to 37 tackles (23 solo) through five games.
Sep 30, 2025
Notches seven stops in Week 4
Pace totaled seven tackles (two solo) in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Pace's seven stops ranked third on Minnesota. The third-year linebacker has recorded 33 tackles through four games this season.
Sep 22, 2025
Double-digit stops in win
Pace recorded 12 total tackles (nine solo) in Sunday's 48-10 win over the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Pace led the team with 12 stops in Week 3, which marked his highest total in a game since Week 8 of last season. The linebacker has now compiled 26 total tackles (18 solo) over the first three games this year.
Sep 16, 2025
Piles up nine tackles in loss
Pace recorded nine tackles (seven solo) in the Vikings' loss to the Falcons on Sunday night.
ANALYSIS
Pace's nine tackles tied for the team lead, as he played 89 percent of the Vikings' defensive snaps in the defeat. Through two contests, Pace has logged 14 tackles (nine solo), including one tackle for loss, on 80 percent of the defensive snaps.
Sep 9, 2025
Notches five stops Week 1
Pace posted five tackles (two solo) in Monday's 27-24 win against Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Pace finished tied for second on Minnesota with the five stops. The veteran linebacker logged 47 of his team's 67 defensive snaps and will look to stay healthy this year after missing six regular-season contests due to injury in 2024.
Jan 20, 2025
Logs 72 tackles across 11 contests
Pace finished the 2024 season with 72 tackles (36 solo), including 3.0 sacks, one pass breakup, including one interception, and one fumble recovery across 11 regular-season contests.
ANALYSIS
Pace missed Weeks 3 and 4 with an ankle injury and was sidelined again from Weeks 13 through 16 with a hamstring issue that landed Paced on injured reserve for four games. He played 79 percent of the defensive snaps in the wild-card playoff loss to the Rams and should be viewed as the favorite to start alongside Blake Cashman at linebacker in 2025 for Minnesota. Pace has one year remaining on his current contract.
Dec 28, 2024
Activated off IR on Saturday
The Vikings activated Pace (hamstring) off injured reserve Saturday and he does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Pace spent the past four weeks on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he suffered against the Bears in Week 12. He was designated to return from injured reserve Tuesday, and he has subsequently been activated off IR after logging full practices all week. In the eight games prior to his injury, Pace registered 59 tackles (31 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Dec 27, 2024
Iffy to come off IR for Week 17
Pace (hamstring), who is still on IR, is questionable to suit up against the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Pace was designated to return from injured reserve Tuesday and was deemed a full participant in practice throughout the week. However, it's not certain that he'll be active for Sunday's big matchup against Green Bay, and Minnesota would need to activate hm from IR by 4 pm ET on Saturday for that to be a possibility. Pace had started in all nine of the games in which he played prior to getting hurt Week 12 versus Chicago.
Dec 26, 2024
Logs full practice Thursday
Pace (hamstring) practiced in full Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Pace was designated to return from IR on Tuesday and was estimated as a full participant Wednesday. He then practiced in full Thursday, making a return to action Sunday versus Green Bay a legitimate possibility. Prior to getting hurt Week 12 versus Chicago, Pace had tallied 59 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, along with a fumble he returned for a touchdown over nine contests.
Dec 25, 2024
Estimated as full participant
Pace (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report.
ANALYSIS
Pace has missed the Vikings' last four games while on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he suffered against Chicago in Week 12. He was designated to return from IR on Tuesday, and while Wednesday's session was a walkthrough rather than a practice, Pace's full participation indicates that he is progressing well through his recovery. If he's able to fully participate in practice over the next two days, Pace could be activated off IR ahead of Sunday's NFC North clash against the Packers.
Dec 24, 2024
Designated to return from IR
The Vikings designated Pace (hamstring) to return from injured reserve Tuesday, Craig Peters of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Pace missed the Vikings' last four games due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Week 12 against the Bears. With his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday, Pace will be able to return to practice this week, and depending on his participation in those sessions, he could be activated off IR ahead of Minnesota's Week 17 clash against Green Bay on Sunday. Prior to his injury, Pace accumulated 59 tackles (31 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown over nine regular-season games.
Dec 22, 2024
Might return soon
Pace (hamstring) might be on track to return soon, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The inside linebacker was placed on injured reserve in late November after hurting his hamstring in the Vikings' Week 12 win over the Bears. Minnesota's Week 17 matchup with Green Bay would be his earliest possible return date. Pace has 59 tackles (31 solo), including 3.0 sacks, in nine games this season.
Nov 26, 2024
Placed on injured reserve
The Vikings placed Pace (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Pace injured his hamstring during the Vikings' 30-27 overtime win over the Bears, and the injury is severe enough for him to be sidelined for multiple weeks. By being placed on IR, Pace will be forced to miss at least the next four regular-season games, making Week 17 against the Packers on Sunday, Dec. 29 the earliest he can return. Kamu Grugier-Hill -- who played a season-high 45 defensive snaps Sunday and finished with three tackles (two solo) -- will likely be the Vikings' second starting inside linebacker alongside Blake Cashman due to Pace's injury.
Nov 24, 2024
Won't return vs. Chicago
Pace (hamstring) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Bears, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Pace injured his hamstring in the first quarter of Sunday's game and did not come out with the Vikings for the start of the second half. Brian Asamoah and Kamu Grugier-Hill will see more snaps at linebacker for the rest of Sunday's game due to Pace's injury.
Nov 24, 2024
Exits game with hamstring injury
Pace (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bears, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Pace injured his hamstring in the first half of this Week 12 game. While Pace is sidelined, Brian Asamoah and Kamu Grugier-Hill will see additional snaps at inside linebacker alongside starter Blake Cashman.
Nov 11, 2024
Does it all in win
Pace recorded five total tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks and an additional tackle for loss, in Sunday's 12-7 win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Pace tied Blake Cashman, Stephon Gilmore and Josh Metellus as the Vikings' leading tackler in Sunday's win, despite it being his lowest tackle output of the season. The second-year pro has now appeared in seven games this season, recording 55 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks. Expect Pace to continue starting alongside Cashman as part of the Vikings' top inside linebacker duo as the season progresses.
Nov 10, 2024
Clear to suit up Sunday
Pace (knee) is not among Minnesota's inactives for Sunday's Week 10 contest against Jacksonville.
ANALYSIS
Pace battled an ankle injury during the week but was able to progress from a DNP on Wednesday to a limited session Thursday and a full session Friday. He was deemed questionable heading into the weekend but will be able to suit up against the Jaguars. Pace has been a strong IDP asset in recent weeks, totaling 29 tackles over his past three games.
Nov 8, 2024
Questionable for Sunday
Pace (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
ANALYSIS
Pace opened the Vikings' week of practice with a DNP but practiced in full Friday, suggesting he's moving in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest. If the Cincinnati product can't play through his knee issue in Week 10, Brian Asamoah will likely see increased work with Minnesota's first-team defense.
Nov 7, 2024
Upgrades to limited Thursday
Pace (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
After logging a DNP on Wednesday, Pace was upgraded Thursday. He was injured in the Vikings' win over the Colts last Sunday night. Through six games this season, Pace has 50 tackles (28 solo), including four TFLs and 2.0 sacks, and one fumble recovery, which Pace returned for a touchdown in Week 7 versus Detroit.
Nov 6, 2024
Dealing with knee injury
Pace (knee) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's injury report.
ANALYSIS
Pace finished this past Sunday's win over the Colts with six tackles (three solo), but it appears he may have picked up a knee injury in the process. He'll have two more chances to practice this week ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Across six regular-season games, Pace has logged 50 tackles (28 solo), including 2.0 sacks.
Nov 4, 2024
Makes six tackles in win
Pace finished with six tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 21-13 win over the Colts.
ANALYSIS
The inside linebacker also played on 96 percent of the defensive snaps. Pace, an undrafted free agent signing in 2023, recorded 102 tackles (63 solo) as a rookie, and he is keeping up a similar pace in 2024 with 50 stops (28 solo) in the six games he's played in.
Oct 25, 2024
Has 13 tackles in loss
Pace had 13 total tackles, a tackle for a loss and a QB hit in Thursday's loss to the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Pace played on all of the defense's 71snaps as the primary interior linebacker with Blake Cashman missing the game with a toe injury. Cashman could return next week against the Colts.
Oct 21, 2024
Scores TD on fumble return
Pace had ten total tackles, a QB hit and returned a fumble for a 36-yard touchdown in Sunday's loss to Detroit.
ANALYSIS
Pace played on 57 of the defense 58 snaps with Blake Cashman missing the game with a toe injury as he became the primary interior linebacker. Pace could continue to have an expanded role Thursday if Cashman remains sidelined.
Oct 7, 2024
Tallies first sack of season
Pace recorded six tackles (five solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 23-17 win against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Despite only playing 26 defensive snaps in Week 5, Pace picked up a sack and tied for the team lead in tackles in London. He will probably see a bit more playing time after the Vikings' bye in Week 6 when he's further removed from the ankle injury that's limited him early in the year.
Oct 3, 2024
Upgrades to full practice
Pace (ankle) practiced in full Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Pace was limited in Wednesday's practice due and has missed back-to-back games due to an ankle injury, but it appears he's now returned to full health. The inside linebacker racked up 15 tackles (10 solo) throughout Minnesota's first two games of the season, so his return will be a notable boost for the starting defense during Sunday's game against the Jets.
Oct 2, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Pace (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Pace has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, but head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed optimism Monday that the inside linebacker would be back for Week 5 against the Jets, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Pace tallied 15 tackles (10 solo) across the first two games of the regular season.
Sep 30, 2024
Hopeful for Week 5
Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday that the Vikings hope to have Pace (ankle) back for Week 5, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Connell added that Pace was close to suiting up for the Vikings' Week 4 win over the Packers. The Cincinnati product's practice participation during the week will provide a better indication of his possible availability in Week 5. If he's still not past his ankle injury by the time of Sunday's contest, expect Brian Asamoah to play alongside Blake Cashman in Minnesota's inside linebacker corps.
Sep 27, 2024
Out again for Week 4
Pace (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
It will be Pace's second straight missed game. Blake Cashman and Kamu Grugier-Hill handled linebacker duties with Pace out last week against Houston. Look for a similar structure in this week's date with the Packers.
Sep 25, 2024
DNP to open week
Pace (ankle) did not participate in the Vikings' walkthrough Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Pace was held out of the Vikings' Week 3 win over the Texans due to ankle and quadriceps injuries. He appears to be over the quadriceps issue, but his ankle injury is lingering enough for him to be held out of Wednesday's walkthrough. Pace will have two more chances at seeing the field ahead of Minnesota's Week 4 game against Green Bay.
Sep 20, 2024
Out for Week 3
Pace (quadriceps/ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
In addition to his previous quad issue, Pace suffered an ankle injury in Thursday's practice, sidelining him for Sunday's showdown with Houston. Through two games, Pace has 15 tackles (10 solo) and one QB hit. Brian Asamoah and Kamu Grugier-Hill are next up for linebacker snaps next to every-down LB Blake Cashman.
Sep 18, 2024
Dealing with quadriceps issue
Pace (quadriceps) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The second-year linebacker out of Cincinnati appears to have sustained a quadriceps injury during his eight-tackle outing Sunday. Pace's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide a clearer indication of whether the 23-year-old will be able to suit up for the Vikings' Week 3 matchup with the Texans.
Jan 14, 2024
Excels in rookie campaign
Pace logged 102 tackles (63 solo), 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble and recovery during his rookie campaign.
ANALYSIS
Pace made the Vikings' 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati and was ultimately able to win a spot as one of the team's two starting inside linebackers, as he earned a larger role as the season progressed. The 23-year-old is under contract for two more seasons and should be back in 2024 working to build on his successful rookie campaign.
Jan 1, 2024
Leading tackler in loss
Pace had a game-high 12 tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
After playing just 30 snaps a week ago, Pace played all 74 defensive snaps in Sunday's loss. He reached double-digit tackles for the second time this season. Pace has 93 tackles over 16 games, fourth on the Vikings in that category.
Dec 26, 2023
Reduced playing time in loss
Pace had four total tackles in Sunday's loss to Detroit. He moved to a reserve role and played on 30 of the defense's 79 snaps with the return of Jordan Hicks from a shin injury.
ANALYSIS
Pace had taken over the starting middle linebacker role with Hicks out the previous four games and excelled. He averaged ten total tackles per game with two sacks and an interception during that span. However, he was back to a more limited role Sunday. Pace did miss practice time during the week due to a shoulder injury, so that may have also limited his playing time.
Dec 24, 2023
Active Sunday
Pace (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Pace appeared on the injury report Friday despite practicing on a limited basis. The starting inside linebacker has yet to miss a game this season and he has not even missed a defensive snap over the past four games. The rookie has 77 tackles, two passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble in 2023.
Dec 22, 2023
Pops up on Friday injury report
Pace (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Pace was a late addition to the Vikings' injury report after participating in a limited capacity in Friday's practice. He hasn't missed a game all season and has played every defensive snap over the past four games. If Pace is ruled out for Sunday's game, Brian Asamoah and Nick Vigil are candidates to start at inside linebacker alongside Troy Dye.
Dec 18, 2023
Another productive day at Cincy
Pace recorded nine tackles (seven solo) in Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss at Cincinnati.
ANALYSIS
Pace tallied nine-plus total tackles for his fourth consecutive game in Week 15. It looks like Minnesota made a solid pickup when it signed the undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati during the preseason. He's on the IDP radar for Week 16 versus the Lions.
Dec 11, 2023
Has sack and INT in win
Pace had 13 total tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and an interception in Sunday's win at Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Pace had a career-best day as he's suddenly become a star as the team's starting middle linebacker. He played on all of the defense's 54 snaps.
Nov 28, 2023
Nine tackles in loss
Pace had nine total tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in Monday's loss to Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Pace played on all 68 defensive snaps, as he's taken over as the top linebacker with Jordan Hicks on injured reserve with a shin injury. It was Pace's first full sack of the season, as he hasn't been used as much on blitz packages. He has 1.5 sacks and is averaging 4.6 total tackles per game (but 9.0 total tackles per game the last two weeks in his new role).
Nov 20, 2023
Nine tackles in loss
Pace had nine total tackles in Sunday's loss at Denver.
ANALYSIS
Pace played on all 55 of the defense's snaps as he's taken over as the top linebacker with Jordan Hicks on injured reserve with a shin injury. He was the only interior linebacker to play more than 22 snaps as the Vikings mostly played nickel and dime packages.
Sep 16, 2023
Moves into starting lineup
Pace started at middle linebacker and had eight total tackles with a half sack in Thursday's loss at Philadelphia.
ANALYSIS
Pace, an undrafted rookie from Cincinnati, moved into a starting role, and his snap count increased (to playing on 80 percent of the defensive snaps up from 68 percent in Week 1) . He had an impact in the pass rush with a half sack and two quarterback hurries.
Sep 11, 2023
Eight tackles in NFL debut
Pace had eight total tackles in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Pace didn't start at linebacker, but the undrafted rookie from Cincinnati was one of the team's top defenders and could push for more playing time. Pace played on 46 of the defense's 68 snaps. He was effective in the pass rush (one QB hit) and pass coverage (only allowed 11 yards on two receptions against him, according to Pro Football Focus).
Aug 22, 2023
Look set for roster spot
Pace is beyond competing for a roster spot and has the chance to play defensive snaps right away, head coach Kevin O'Connell told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
ANALYSIS
Pace is an undrafted free agent from Cincinnati who had an impressive spring and preseason. He could earn more playing time at inside linebacker at the expense of Brian Asamoah, especially against the run.
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