Minnesota Vikings Key Defender Active for Packers Game

The Minnesota Vikings have 13 wins this season and yet the performance is not enough. The biggest regular season matchup in years is scheduled for Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. A win puts them in play for the NFC’s top seed during Week 18. Thankfully they go into the contest with a clean bill of health.

The Demon returns for Minnesota Vikings

Brian Flores’ defense has been without Ivan Pace Jr. since Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve and just had his practice window opened this week. After logging a week’s worth of full practices, he has been activated for Sunday’s matchup.

The #Vikings have activated LB Ivan Pace Jr. from IR. He will enter tomorrow without a game designation.

LB Jamin Davis has been waived. pic.twitter.com/CEwqtm4Y9p

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 28, 2024

Last season, as an undrafted rookie, Ivan Pace Jr. quarterbacked the Vikings defense wearing the green dot. This year he has ceded those responsibilities to Blake Cashman, but remains as important as ever.

In nine games, Pace Jr. has a career-best three sacks. He has recorded 59 tackles and has hit the opposing quarterback six times. His six tackles for loss are four more than he recorded last season in 17 games, and he took a fumble recovery to the house.

Ivan Pace Jr. starts in the B gap and makes the tackle on the screen.

He beat Andrew Thomas, who had a head start on him by alignment, to the spot to make the play. pic.twitter.com/1kQXdjV7hq

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) September 11, 2024

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The return of Pace Jr. is a significant boost for the Vikings defense. He missed the first game against Green Bay this year and is locked in to help Cashman slow Josh Jacobs on Sunday. Minnesota’s rush defense showed up against Seattle and will need to do so again on Sunday.

With Pace Jr. elevated to the active roster, Minnesota waived Jamin Davis. The former 19th overall pick played in four games for Minnesota. He recorded a single sack despite logging just 21 total defensive snaps.

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Minnesota couldn’t be healthier going into the game against Green Bay. Veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau is the only player ruled out. He had been inactive often until Stephon Gilmore missed time with an injury.