Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury he sustained during the team’s 30-27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, means Pace will be sidelined for at least the Vikings’ next four games. To fill the void left by Pace, the team also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.
Pace, 23, had been a key player for the Vikings, starting in all nine games this season. The undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, who was signed in 2023, had a strong season so far, recording 56 tackles—six of them for loss—and three sacks. His injury is a significant blow to a defense that has relied on his presence.
Ivan Pace Jr
Murphy, 24, had signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent earlier this year but was placed on injured reserve on August 27. He now returns to add depth to the linebacker corps.
Davis, 25, brings additional experience to the team after being signed off the Packers’ practice squad. He had been waived by the Washington Commanders just a week prior to joining Minnesota.
Drafted by Washington in the first round (19th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Kentucky, Davis has accumulated 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his career. Notably, he led Washington with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. His addition provides the Vikings with more veteran depth at linebacker.
With the injury to Pace and the roster changes, the Vikings (9-2) will now prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. The game will be important as they continue to position themselves for a strong finish to the season.
