If the Vikings are going to hang onto any playoff hopes, they’ll need to pull an upset at Ford Field. That’s a tall task for J.J. McCarthy to step back into, and one he probably shouldn’t be asked to shoulder the load for.

More likely Minnesota could find themselves as sellers ahead of next week’s trade deadline. Looking to stockpile a few extra picks, they have some talent that can be parted out.

Aaron Jones may earn the MN Vikings a draft pick

Last season Aaron Jones joined the Minnesota Vikings after spending the first seven years of his career in Green Bay. Now re-upped for a second season in Minnesota, his one year deal presents an opportunity to recoup some value. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell sees the veteran running back as a logical trade chip.

Moving on from Jones might be more about saving money than anything else. He is owed just over $1 million in 2025 and has $2 million of his $10 million compensation in 2026 guaranteed, a deal the Vikings are likely to move on from this offseason. Would a team like the Chargers be willing to essentially pay $3 million to have Jones in its lineup for the rest of 2025?

ESPN

The Vikings have not leaned much on the run this season, and Jones has already missed some time. He is back healthy but has just 61 yards on 18 carries. That’s not going to generate a significant amount of interest even if a team is looking at his career-high 1,138 yards from last season.

Jones is certainly expendable for Minnesota though. They brought in Jordan Mason over the offseason and he has been as advertised. Moving Jones would remove the tandem aspect of the backfield, but if the Vikings aren’t going to compete, that carries less weight.

There are a few running back-needy teams that may just want a veteran for the stretch run. Jones doesn’t have to be the bellcow anymore, and he could be given an opportunity to go get a ring.

Moving on from Ivan Pace Jr.

After blowing up as an undrafted free agent, things have come crashing down for Ivan Pace Jr. this year. The Minnesota Vikings linebacker was benched when Blake Cashman returned, and he lost his job to journeyman veteran Eric Wilson.

It’s unlikely that Pace generates much of a return after falling out of favor in Minnesota. It is possible though, that another team thinks they can turn his slide around.

Pace, who has fallen out of the starting lineup and played just 17 defensive snaps over the past two weeks, is a restricted free agent after the season.

ESPN

If Minnesota isn’t going to start Pace, and he’s not viewed as a key depth piece this offseason, then there isn’t a great reason to keep him around. The Vikings should be looking for draft compensation and pull the trigger on the first good return they can find.

It remains to be seen how this all shakes out. The NFL trade deadline is set for November 4th at 3pm central time.

To make matters worse, head coach Kevin O’Connell has little time to patch things up because the Vikings’ next game is right around the corner on Thursday night, which *checks calendar* is just three days from now. That’s why those bigger fixes needed to be implemented last week, during the bye.

That’s when you combine your self scout with some extra time to get healthy and come out with a better team on the other end. And coming off the bye, the Vikings were definitely getting healthier.

Both Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson returned on the offensive line. On defense, Mr. Green Dot Blake Cashman suited up and started for the first time since week 1, which may have been the most important pregame news of the entire week.

Ivan Pace Jr benched by Minnesota Vikings in week 7

For much of the 2025 season so far, Minnesota’s biggest problems defensively have come against the run and short + intermediate passing game. So on Sunday, with the return of Cashman, the Vikings coaching staff made a change.

Instead of returning veteran Eric Wilson to the backup role he signed up for during the offseason, they started the 31-year-old veteran next to a healthy Blake Cashman, and benched Ivan Pace Jr, who was relegated to special teams duty.

Related: On-Field Refs Did Not Want to Reverse Vikings Touchdown Catch

That’s right, the 24-year-old third year linebacker played ZERO snaps on defense Sunday, only reporting to the playing field 21 times for his expanded special team duties. Those who watch the game closely have repeatedly pointed to Ivan Pace Jr., as a big part of the Vikings’ problem in those departments.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat has never been a coverage guy, but this season, the 2023 UDFA-turned-starter has been a liability against the run and getting after the QB too. On the Star Tribune’s “Access Vikings” podcast after the Vikings vs Eagles game, beat reporter Andrew Krammer confirmed Pace Jr’s not so soft benching, which the young linebacker was informed of earlier in the week.

“Defensively, we should mention too, Ivan Pace, he got benched in this game. He started the five previous games for the Vikings that started, I think, 28 of the games he’s played in two and a half years. And uh when Cmancame back, they decided to go with Eric Wilson over Ivan Pace, who had missed 10 missed tackles in those first five games.

So, it seems like there was some repercussions there for Ivan’s start to the year, in them going with Eric Wilson. Ivan said after [the Eagles game], it was communicated to him during practices throughout the week that he wasn’t going to get that role that he’s used to. He said he hopes it’s just kind of a week-to-week thing moving forward.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

Tough road ahead for a declining young linebacker

Entering week 7, Ivan Pace led the Minnesota Vikings defense with 37 tackles, but as Krammer pointed out, he also led them in missed tackles, with 10. His grades at PFF have continually dropped since his pleasantly surprising rookie season too.

In 2023, Pace put up a rather absurd 77.1 defense grade. Though five games in 2025, that grade has dropped all the way down to 45. That’s an even steeper falloff from the 63.0 grade he posted during his sophomore 2024.

Pace posted an 87.0 rush defense grade in 2024. This season, that is down to a 56.4. His pass rush decline is equally impressive, however, dropping from 83.9 last season to 62.5 in 2025. In fact, Pace is on pace (pun intended) to finish with his worst career PFF grades in four of their five defensive categories.

Related: O’Connell Playing Dumb on Vikings’ QB Future But Not Everyone Got Memo

Exchanging Blake Cashman for Pace seemed to mostly alleviate the Minnesota Vikings’ issues against the run. Saquon Barkley managed just 44 yards on 19 carries Sunday. Jalen Hurts didn’t do a lot of damage on early downs, in the Eagles’ short and intermediate passing game, either.

So unless someone gets injured again, I’m not sure we see Ivan Pace Jr back as a starter this season. Of course, we’ve all seen crazier things. And at the end of the day, his return to the top 11 is up to him.

Minnesota Vikings get a big boost

Harrison Smith returning to the starting lineup is a significant boost. His lack of presence was felt last weekend in how organized the Minnesota Vikings defense appeared. The veteran captain has no injury designation as of today and is ready to rock. It would be great if linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. joined him, which is also a possibility.

Final #GBvsMIN injury report

OUT: Fabian Moreau

QUESTIONABLE: Ivan Pace Jr.*

*Currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/PgGASDzos1

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 27, 2024

Minnesota has been without Pace Jr. since Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. He missed the last four games while stashed on injured reserve, but there is optimism that he can play.

Ivan Pace played just 26 snaps in his return from injury, but made his presence felt in a big way with 6 total tackles, including a sack and a TFL.

Here are a number of those plays. He is just electric. Special mover. pic.twitter.com/y3m7szg39M

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) October 8, 2024

Pace Jr. was not available for Minnesota’s first game against Green Bay this year. If he can go Sunday, the Vikings would have their top linebacker pairing to deal with talented Packers running back Josh Jacobs. Pace Jr. has 59 tackles and three sacks in nine games this season.

Related: Vikings QB Sam Darnold Showing All the Intangibles Needed to be Great

Smith making his absence a brief one and being back for the biggest game of the season is a big development. Pace Jr. has seen a more extended absence, but will quickly be a difference maker once again.

Packers missing talent against Vikings

While Minnesota is healthy, the Packers do not have the same good fortune. Cornerback Jaire Alexander continues to duck the Vikings wide receivers and won’t be on the field Sunday. He isn’t the only player Matt LaFleur will be without.

Christian Watson and Javon Bullard are questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota.

Jaire Alexander, Evan Williams, Quay Walker and Andre Dillard are out.

Ty'Ron Hopper is also questionable.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 27, 2024

Starting linebacker Quay Walker can’t go against Minnesota. He has 72 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season. The former first round pick is on pace to set career-high tallies across the board. The Vikings can hope to exploit the middle of Green Bay’s defense without one of their key contributors.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Veteran D-lineman to Practice Squad, Cut Cornerback

It remains to be seen if Christian Watson can play. He suffered a knee injury last week and would leave quarterback Jordan Love with one less weapon to utilize. With a questionable designation, his status is one to monitor on Sunday.

The Minnesota Vikings have also been without Ivan Pace Jr. for a matter of weeks, and while Blake Cashman has proven to be an amazing addition to the team this season, the linebacker unit truly excels when both players are on the field together. Pace Jr.’s absence was notably felt in their earlier encounter with the Green Bay Packers this year, making his potential return for this game highly anticipated.

Related: Former Vikings Fan Favorite QB is Unretiring to Sign with… the Lions

Minnesota Vikings looking healthier on defense

The Vikings activated Ivan Pace Jr.’s practice window earlier this week, paving the way for his return to the active roster and his spot in the starting lineup. On Thursday, Pace Jr. participated in his second consecutive full practice session, alongside several notable teammates.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report.@harrismith22 was a full participant in today's practice. pic.twitter.com/RZh76zLBio

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 26, 2024

After not practicing in what was just a walkthrough on Wednesday, Harrison Smith was back in action. The veteran safety didn’t miss a game last season but played in just 14 the year before. He has 79 tackles this season and could flirt with besting 2023’s 93 total tackles with two big games coming up in the final weeks.

Harrison Smith knows how to lay a clean hit pic.twitter.com/EjnYiut3WE

— Craig Williams (@GA_SKOL) November 4, 2024

Pace Jr. has started nine games for Minnesota in 2024. He has three sacks, already beating last year’s 2.5. His 59 total tackles won’t touch the 102 he had as a rookie, but the six tackles for loss have been significant.

Ridiculous play by Ivan Pace Jr, as he outruns the TE to his block, and then runs right through the split-blocking TE to make the run stop.

Tillery also beat the LT to his spot and got into the backfield, forcing the cutback into pace. pic.twitter.com/LH7rNziRA7

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) October 7, 2024

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Veteran D-lineman to Practice Squad, Cut Cornerback

Although the Vikings did sign veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Harris to their practice squad, rookie Jalen Redmond should be back. He has played in 11 games this season and owns 15 tackles with a single sack. Redmond missed the tilt against Seattle due to a concussion.

Minnesota’s only non-participant was cornerback Fabian Moreau. He started in place of Stephon Gilmore but missed the game last week against Seattle as well.

Minnesota must win on Sunday in order to keep their hopes of grabbing the top seed in the NFC alive. A gigantic matchup against Detroit then looms for Week 18.

Ivan Pace Jr. placed on Minnesota Vikings injured reserve

Through the Minnesota Vikings first 11 games, Ivan Pace Jr. has been a steadying presence in the middle of the defense. The undrafted free agent didn’t get the green dot on his helmet this season, and he’s not yet the linebacker that Cashman is, but Pace’s 59 tackles and 6 tackles for loss so far this year will certainly be missed.

The #Vikings have signed LB Jamin Davis (@Jamindavis25) to the 53-man roster.

OLB Gabe Murphy has been activated off IR to the 53-man roster and LB Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/nWlBfpS4er

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 26, 2024

Pace has already surpassed his sack total from last season with three, and he was tracking to contribute more than the 102 tackles he put up a year ago. Defensively he has played 63% of the snaps for Flores, and has backed off usage on special teams. Working alongside Blake Cashman, the Vikings linebacking unit has been among the strength of the defense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Creeping Up NFL Power Rankings After Week 13

It will be a next man up mentality for Minnesota. Cashman just recently returned from his turf toe injury. The Minnesota Vikings will likely turn to Kam Grugier-Hill, whose play has been up and down this season. He is tied for third-most on the team in interceptions, and he has logged 14 tackles, but the 30-year-old seasoned veteran’s PFF grades tell a pretty ugly story.

Ivan Pace Jr. does hilarious things on film. He’s like a bumper car fueled by Red Bull. pic.twitter.com/r7GxN3a46y

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 19, 2024

The hope is that Pace Jr. can heal the hamstring injury and return after missing the minimum four games. That would put him back for the Vikings last two games of the season, plus a nice, long playoff run… hopefully. With Pace Jr. being moved off the active roster, the Vikings had plenty of shuffling to do.

Vikings activate Gabe Murphy, swipe ILB Jamin Davis from Packers practice squad

Moving Pace Jr to IR meant the Minnesota Vikings had two available 53-man roster spots. They filled them with two linebackers. The first was rookie OLB Gabe Murphy, who was in his 21-day practice window, after being placed on injured reserve earlier in the season.

The other is ILB, Jamin Davis, who was on the Green Bay Packers practice squad. The 2021 first round pick (No. 19 overall) will be asked to pick up some of the snaps that Pace Jr. is vacating. Davis has played in five games this year, but they all came with the Washington Commanders.

He was a regular starter each of the past two seasons and has seven career sacks across 50 games. Davis played his college ball at the University of Kentucky. He’s started 36 games in his 4-year NFL career. For the Commanders back in 2022, Jamin Davis made 104 tackles, including 9 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Related: Former Vikings GM Contracted to Oversee New York Jets GM Hire

The 25-year-old fourth-year veteran started all 13 of the games he played in last season, in DC, recording 89 tackles, 3 sacks 4 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. For a midseason pickup off of a rival’s practice squad, the Jamin Davis is a VERY intriguing signing.

The #Vikings have signed LB Jamin Davis (@Jamindavis25) to the 53-man roster.

OLB Gabe Murphy has been activated off IR to the 53-man roster and LB Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/nWlBfpS4er

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 26, 2024

That’s not the only roster news for Minnesota either. They won’t be getting tight end Nick Muse back after waiving him on Monday. The practice squad is currently full, and long snapper Jack McQuaide has to be signed to the active roster this week.

All of this takes place while Minnesota awaits word on a decision from quarterback Daniel Jones, who was recently waived by the New York Giants. In other words, it’s been a busy day at the TCO Performance Center.

Whether the the former No. 1 overall pick can go or not, Sunday should be a victory for the Vikings. Even after losing two-thirds of their special teams starters to injury, Minnesota is just better than Jacksonville.

On paper, this matchup has the potential to be the most dominant purple performance of the entire season, but this is the NFL, where nothing is that easy? Below, we tap into four bold predictions for Sunday’s Vikings vs. Jaguars game.

Sam Darnold scores a career-high five touchdowns

Vikings QB Sam Darnold has accounted for four touchdowns on three separate occasions in his seven-year career. One even came in Week 3 with the Vikings. But he’s never combined to score five touchdowns in a single game. We’ve already seen Darnold have a game with four touchdown passes.

We’ve also seen how mobile the former No. 3 overall pick is by picking up 12 first downs as a rusher this season. The Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL and the second-most passing touchdowns, which gives Darnold a strong chance of setting a new career-high on Sunday, combining for five scores.

“We talked about Sam Darnold being great for fantasy last week… Jacksonville has already allowed the overall QB1 for fantasy football in three different games this year… It is another amazing matchup for Sam Darnold and this Vikings pass offense.”@DraftKings #DKPartner pic.twitter.com/RNb59EtsiU

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) November 6, 2024

Related: Sam Darnold’s Contract Ranks as One of NFL’s Most Valuable Assets

Cam Akers racks up 80+ yards for first time with Minnesota Vikings

Recent addition Cam Akers provided a jolt of energy in last Sunday’s win, racking up 46 rushing yards despite getting just six carries. It’s become obvious that he’s now the preferred secondary option to Aaron Jones, quickly surpassing Ty Chandler. Expect that to continue in Week 10 after last week’s performance.

Cam Akers got 7 touches in his first game back with offensive snaps as a member of the Vikings. He had only gotten special teams run in the previous two games. pic.twitter.com/aP8CvqUgHX

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) November 5, 2024

Related: ESPN Analytics Guy Trashes Vikings Trade for Cam Robinson

Seeing Akers average 7.7 YPC could earn him a bigger role on Sundays, especially if the Jaguars game turns into a blowout. If the Vikings find themselves with a two or three-possession lead, it only makes sense to give Jones more rest while evaluating what Akers and even Chandler have in the tank. In other words, don’t be surprised if Akers has his best game yet as a member of the Vikings.

Dallas Turner records first career multi-sack game

It was hard not to notice Dallas Turner’s snaps increase last Sunday, seeing action on 25 defensive plays. Part of his sudden surge has to do with the extended absence of Blake Cashman, plus Andrew Van Ginkel being a bit banged up last Sunday. Yet, Turner did well with his opportunities, earning a career-high 73.1 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus.

Turner also had a new personal best of four pressures, three hurries, and one hit. He was also credited with a run stop. But he hasn’t had a sack since his season debut in Week 1. This week, he gets to go up against a Jaguars offensive line that PFF ranks as the 11th-worst unit in the league.

Best game of Dallas Turner's NFL career last night. 26 snaps, nearly matching his total from the previous four games combined. 4 pressures, 1 QB hit, 1 run stop, 71.3 PFF grade. Encouraging stuff from the 21-year-old rookie.

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 4, 2024

Related: Cowboys Waive Former Minnesota Vikings Cornerback

The Jaguars have allowed the 19th-fewest sacks in the NFL, but they no longer have Cam Robinson at left tackle, and their right tackle, Anton Harrison, is tied for allowing the 15th-most pressures among tackles. Jacksonville’s shaky offensive line could present the perfect opportunity for Turner to build off last week’s momentum and have his first two-sack game as a member of the Vikings.

Ivan Pace Jr. scores another Minnesota Vikings defensive touchdown

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has mastered the art of confusing his opponents. Meanwhile, Ivan Pace Jr. is a jack of all trades, capable of getting run stops, pressuring quarterbacks, and using his impressive athleticism to get out in coverage too.

Pace plays like his hair is on fire, flying around the field to make his presence felt. We saw just how valuable that can be when he returned a fumble recovery 36 yards for a touchdown against Detroit.

IVAN PACE GIVES MINNESOTA THE LEAD!

📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/n3PbVItTXp

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Defensive touchdowns are rare, but the Jaguars will either have a QB playing at less than 100% or one who’s supposed to be a backup, which tends to create its own form of chaos. If Coach Flores can press all the right buttons and players follow through with his orders, we could see multiple takeaways, and Pace has the type of speed to bring one back to the house.

• Vikings vs Jaguars prediction: Vikings 28, Jaguars 13

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign New Veteran Long Snapper, Place Andrew DePaola on IR

Minnesota Vikings injury report looking even better on Thursday

On Wednesday, the only “Did Not Practice” was CB Akayleb Evans, and it was due to an illness. On Thursday,
Evans was back practicing at full. Even better news, nobody new was added. MLB Ivan Pace Jr (Ankle) also went from limited yesterday to a full participant today. TE Josh Oliver (Wrist) and WR Brandon Powell (Chest) were the only Vikings players who weren’t fully available.

Thursday’s #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/EjzhSksMCU

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 3, 2024

Last week, Jordan Addison returned to the Vikings starting lineup, and made an immediate impact, forcing the Green Bay Packers defense forcing them to pull back on some of the extra attention they were trying to pay to Justin Jefferson. Now, Ivan Pace Jr is set to return on defense, making Brian Flores’ elite unit even better.

Darnold was listed on the initial week 5 Minnesota Vikings injury report, which was released on Wednesday. Even then, he was marked as a full participant. As of now, every starter on the roster, outside of TE TJ Hockenson, is expected to be on the field. But even the Pro Bowl tight end returned to practice this week, too.

Related: Most Valuable Minnesota Vikings Players So Far (Week 5)

The final Minnesota Vikings injury report will release on Friday. Remember, Sunday’s game is not the normal noon early time. Jets vs Vikings will kickoff at 8:30 a.m. CDT. So set your alarm, brew your coffee, and get your fantasy football lineup ready to go bright and early.

Minnesota Vikings defense would get boost from Ivan Pace Jr.

After he missed the past two weeks, due to an ankle/quad injuries, the standout second-year undrafted free agent is an integral part of the defense, even if he doesn’t wear the green dot anymore. Pace’s explosion onto the NFL scene has been nothing short of spectacular.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores missed him in the second half vs Green Bay, where his defense was admittedly tired, allowing the Packers to nearly pull off what would have been a devastating comeback. Fortunately, it sounds like Ivan Pace Jr will bring his pads to London, where head coach Kevin O’Connell expects him to play vs the New York Jets.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell on LB Ivan Pace Jr.: "Hoping to have IP back this week. He was close."

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 30, 2024

In two games to start the season, Pace Jr. has racked up 15 tackles including a tackle for loss and quarterback hit. He is the perfect type of player to be deployed in Brian Flores’ defense. His ability to contribute across multiple levels is an irreplaceable trait.

Related: Vikings WR Blames Sam Darnold for Rib Injury… and He Agrees

Minnesota’s defense has been among the best in the league, thus far. But the Packers comeback last week is worrisome. Getting Ivan Pace Jr. back should help, though.

Vikings get Aaron Rodgers for first time under Flores

He was brought over to the New York Jets with the intention of taking them to the Super Bowl. So far they couldn’t look further from being capable. Rodgers will face a Vikings defense led by Brian Flores, for the first time ever. Too bad it won’t be at U.S. Bank Stadium…

Electric play from Ivan Pace Jr. shooting into the backfield on the run stop inside the 5.

Also a great play by the rookie Taki Taimani, driving the C back and keeping himself clean to get in on the tackle. He should have been credited with an assist here imo. pic.twitter.com/TWFkCzjuEq

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) September 17, 2024

Through the first four weeks of the season, New York has twice been held below 20 points. Their only wins have come against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans. Last week against the hapless Denver Broncos, Robert Saleh’s team failed to find the end zone and lost 10-9.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Finally Favored in Week 5…?

Rodgers has a 5/1 TD/INT ratio, but has averaged just slightly over 200 yards passing per game. The Vikings will look to improve to 5-0 in London, and head into the bye-week still undefeated.

Minnesota Vikings gain some and lose some on the injury report

Last week the Minnesota Vikings were without the services of Jordan Addison (again), Ivan Pace Jr. (surprisingly), and Dallas Turner. They are looking to gain some health from that group heading into a matchup against the Green Bay Packers. There is some good news on that front.

Jordan Addison on the field for the second straight day. Garrett Bradbury returned. Did not see Ivan Pace Jr. or Christian Darrisaw. Jay Ward and Jonathan Bullard were on the rehab field. pic.twitter.com/hNNwrnLtRg

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 26, 2024

Minnesota has had Jordan Addison on the field for just a portion of their first game. He suffered an ankle injury in joint practices against the Cleveland Browns. Ready to go for Week 1, the New York Giants sent Addison to the locker room with an illegal tackle. In his only action this year, Addison caught 3-of-4 targets for 35 yards.

Welcome to the NFL, Dallas Turner!

The @vikings rookie gets his first-career sack 💪

📺: #MINvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/9KiwhxvE40

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Related: Vikings vs Packers: Latest on Jordan Love Injury, Status for Week 4

Dallas Turner picked up a sack in his first NFL game. He was then active against the San Francisco 49ers but found himself out of the lineup against the Houston Texans. As Minnesota looks to control the Packers quarterbacks, having another edge rusher to rotate in could be huge. He was a full participant on Thursday and should be good to go.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/gHU2Kk3szw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 26, 2024

The unfortunate caveat to players being back is that there are more now on the sidelines. Ivan Pace Jr. was absent, and so too was starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The former was a surprise inactive last week. Kamu Grugier-Hill stepped up, but Blake Cashman could certainly use his typical running mate. Sam Darnold’s blindside protector being on the shelf would be sub-optimal as well. He was just dealing with an illness on Thursday.

After Garrett Bradbury didn’t practice on Wednesday, he returned in a limited capacity on Thursday. Jonathan Bullard and Jay Ward could be in danger of missing Sunday’s tilt as both carried their did not practice designation from Wednesday. After the knee scare last week, Darnold has been full all week and is good to go.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Nearing Top of Tom Brady Power Rankings

Minnesota doesn’t need to be at full strength in order to beat the Packers. If Jordan Love goes, it sounds like he won’t be. What they do need to be is prepared, and that means for whatever contributors they have available.

Minnesota Vikings injured stars are getting closer

The biggest fear from Sunday’s obliteration of the Houston Texans was the status of Sam Darnold’s knee. The Vikings appear to have dodged a bullet in that regard, and he won’t miss any time. The even better news is that teammates Jordan Addison, Ivan Pace Jr., and Dallas Turner are also all trending upwards.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said WR Jordan Addison, LB Ivan Pace Jr. and Edge Dallas Turner are all day to day this week. Sounded optimistic on all.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 23, 2024

Kevin O’Connell hasn’t been able to scheme offensive plays for Addison since the first week of the season. His second wide receiver suffered an ankle injury on a hip drop tackle by the New York Giants. Jalen Nailor has been tasked with filling in for him during the absence.

The NFL fined #Giants LB Darius Muasau $4,696 for unnecessary roughness — a hip-drop tackle that injured #Vikings WR Jordan Addison last week. pic.twitter.com/qERoQozMAG

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 14, 2024

Last week Ivan Pace Jr. was a surprise inactive. It seemed daunting that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud would face a Vikings defense without one of its best players. Blake Cashman stepped up though, and the unit picked off the second-year player. Pace Jr. has been a bright spot for Minnesota since signing as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft.

CJ Stroud went nine games without an interception then he met the #Vikings #SKOL pic.twitter.com/eBM0a40zIY

— VikingsDaily (@VikingsDaily) September 22, 2024

It would have been fair to worry about the missing presence of Dallas Turner had the Vikings pass rush not been so dominant the first two weeks. Brian Flores has seen his defense bring down the opposing quarterback with ease, and it happened again Sunday. Both Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard recorded sacks while Jalen Redmond got on the board as well. Turner will be a welcomed addition back when he is ready to go.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Give Sam Darnold Injury Update

At this point in the week there is no designation as to whether any of the three non-Darnold players will be on the field Sunday. It certainly appears that Kevin O’Connell sees each as trending positively however.

Full health heightens the fun for Packers matchup

The Minnesota Vikings are headed to Green Bay for a date with the Packers in Week 4. Sam Darnold will be under center and is ready to go. The knee scare from Week 3 will be behind him, and Kevin O’Connell gets to work with his starting quarterback once again. The ability to activate Addison, Pace Jr., and Turner as well would be huge.

Welcome to the NFL, Dallas Turner!

The @vikings rookie gets his first-career sack 💪

📺: #MINvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/9KiwhxvE40

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Minnesota appears to be trending in a positive direction from a health perspective, and so too are the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love has missed the past two weeks for Matt LaFleur, but should be ready to go against Minnesota. That makes the test a bit tougher for Brian Flores, but he’d certainly love to beat the opponent at their best.

Last season the Vikings went into Green Bay and came away victorious. Love hadn’t yet taken the steps forward that earned him a contract extension. When he beat Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium, it came with the caveat that the Vikings season was over amidst quarterback issues.

Related:Is Jordan Love Going to Play vs Minnesota Vikings?

Both Minnesota and Green Bay being ready to go on Sunday should provide another measuring stick for O’Connell’s team the rest of the way.