'He will be back' Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell gives positive update on injured fan favorite
The Minnesota Vikings have had injury issues this season. It's not out of the ordinary for teams to deal with significant injuries. In fact, it's very normal. This year, the injuries the Vikings have dealt with have mostly impacted the defense, especially the second level. Linebacker play has been really important for the Vikings, as […]
The Minnesota Vikings have had injury issues this season. It's not out of the ordinary for teams to deal with significant injuries. In fact, it's very normal.
This year, the injuries the Vikings have dealt with have mostly impacted the defense, especially the second level. Linebacker play has been really important for the Vikings, as defensive coordinator Brian Flores has used them to maximize their simulated pressures and coverages.
Kevin O'Connell gives a positive update on Ivan Pace Jr.
The latest injury to the second level has been to inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. He missed two games earlier this season due to a knee injury and then Blake Cashman missed three games right after that.
On Tuesday, the Vikings placed Pace on injured reserve and signed inside linebacker Jamin Davis to take his roster spot. During his Wednesday press conference, head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke about Pace and gave a positive update on his status.
"He will be back. I'm hopeful that [return date] looks very similar to that four-week timeline."
Pace got injured during a play in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears where the pile collapsed on him and he was trapped doing the splits underneath. He didn't return to the game and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.
This being the second lower-body injury is frustrating to say the least. Pace is a great blitzer and Flores understands how to use him at his best. Davis is essentially coming in to do his job. Will it work? There's always a chance but don't hold your breath.
Getting Pace back will be a good thing, especially with some difficult matchups coming up.
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