The Vikings secured a 30-27 victory over the Bears on Sunday, but the win came at a cost, as three players were injured during the game.
Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and left tackle Cam Robinson both exited in the first quarter. Pace suffered a hamstring strain on the fourth defensive snap, while Robinson left with a foot injury, though it’s unclear if it’s related to the foot injury he sustained on Nov. 10 in Jacksonville.
Safety Jay Ward, a special teams player, was also sidelined in the second half due to an elbow injury.
Coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Pace and Ward would undergo further testing on Monday at the team facility. Robinson did not comment after the game.
To fill in for Pace, linebackers Kamu Grugier-Hill and Josh Metellus stepped up for the rest of the game. Linebacker Blake Cashman’s versatility also proved crucial in helping the Vikings’ defense adjust to the injuries.
Ivan Pace Jr
I was just talking to [Grugier-Hill and Metellus], saying, ‘Let me know where you’re comfortable, and we’ll switch spots based on the calls,’” Cashman said. “It’s tough to see [Pace] go down. We’ve got to support him, get him back right because we’re heading toward playoff football.”
Robinson, acquired via trade, was already filling in for left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered a season-ending injury on Oct. 24. The Vikings have relied on 34-year-old journeyman David Quessenberry to fill in at left tackle during short stints.
“It’s a strange role because the best-case scenario is I don’t play,” Quessenberry said. “You want to see your teammates healthy, but when called upon, I take a lot of pride in being ready.”
The Vikings were also missing tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) for the game, and edge rusher Patrick Jones II briefly left the field for medical attention before returning to play.
Aaron Jones Breaks His Drought
Packers running back Aaron Jones expressed relief after breaking his seven-game drought without a 100-yard rushing performance and his four-game touchdown dry spell. Jones rushed 22 times for 106 yards and a touchdown against the Bears, marking only his third rushing touchdown in 11 games this season. His 100-yard game was just the fifth such performance in 46 games under head coach O’Connell.
