Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has suffered an ankle injury during practice ahead of the team’s upcoming game against the New York Jets. This injury follows an earlier quadriceps issue that also sidelined him in the prior week. The team initially listed the injury as minor, but Pace has now been ruled out for the Jets game and is undergoing further evaluation.
The Vikings, however, have expressed optimism that the injury is not season-ending. Head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned that while Pace is eager to return, the team is being cautious to avoid aggravating the injury【25†source】【26†source】.
Pace had been a standout for the Vikings in his rookie season, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his aggressive play and versatility. His absence could impact the Vikings’ defense, where he had carved out a significant role【26†source】.
Moving forward, the team will likely reassess his condition day-to-day to determine when he can safely return to the lineup.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s recovery timeline depends on the severity of his ankle injury, which has not been officially classified as season-ending yet. Based on similar types of injuries, recovery from a mild to moderate ankle injury could take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if the injury is more severe, such as a high ankle sprain, it might extend to 4-6 weeks【25†source】.
For now, the Vikings have listed his injury as “day-to-day,” meaning the team will monitor his condition closely to determine how quickly he can return to practice and games【26†source】.
With Ivan Pace Jr. out due to injury, the Minnesota Vikings will likely turn to their other linebackers to fill the void. Brian Asamoah is a strong candidate to step in, as he’s already proven his ability to contribute in the Vikings’ defensive schemes. Troy Dye and Nick Vigil are also potential options, especially with Dye having significant experience in the system. These players are expected to share the responsibility at inside linebacker until Pace recovers【25†source】【26†source】.
The Vikings have a well-rounded linebacker group, so while Pace’s absence is a setback, the team has depth to compensate for his temporary loss.