EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings' defense took a hit on Tuesday as the team announced Ivan Pace, Jr. was placed on Injured Reserve.
The starting inside linebacker left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury and never returned. The Vikings confirmed the move Tuesday while also announcing that they've signed linebacker Jamin Davis off of the Green Bay Packers practice squad.
Pace has played a vital role for the Vikings this season, recording the third-most tackles (59) despite missing two games with an ankle injury. Kamu Grugier-Hill replaced Pace in those two games and recorded an interception in each game. Davis, a former first-round pick, spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Washington Commanders, but was released in late October. A week later, the Packers signed Davis to their practice squad.
He played in 50 games with Washington and recorded 282 tackles, including seven sacks. His best season came in 2022 when he made 104 total tackles with three sacks and two fumble recoveries. He also had nine stuffs.
Pace could still return after four games, but his loss will be a big blow for one of the league's top run defenses. Minnesota is currently the top defense against the run, and is allowing the fifth-fewest points per game (17.9).
