It was the first game Smith has missed since week 18 of the 2022 season vs the Chicago Bears, a start streak that had reached 31 games in a row, prior to his absence on Sunday. In week 17 vs the Green Bay Packers, though, it sounds like Harry the Hitman will start a new streak.

Early Week 17 Minnesota Vikings injury updates: Good news on Harrison Smith and Ivan Pace Jr

On Monday, head coach Kevin O’Connell met with reporters and said he expects his future Ring of Honor safety to return vs the Vikings’ hated rival, in what will be one of the most anticipated iterations of the historic rivalry in recent seasons.

“Harrison Smith, as I kinda said yesterday, truly was a game-time [decision]. So to get the victory, and also make sure we gave him a day, he should be able to progress through the week and be available for us [vs the Packers].”

Kevin O’Connell on Harrison Smith injury status

But Harrison Smith wasn’t the only optimistic injury update we got from Minnesota’s head coach yesterday. Ivan Pace Jr had his practice window opened, which means he now has 21 days to get back on the active roster.

In Pace’s case, it sounds like it could be much sooner than that, possibly even this week vs the Packers. When pressed on the linebacker’s status for Sunday, O’Connell pushed back a little bit, but did confirm that the plan is to “get him some work, and then have him available” vs for a huge week 17 game this weekend.

KOC: “We will open Ivan Pace Jr’s window, to begin practicing. [I am] very excited about that.”

Reporter: “Just to clarify, you made it sound like Ivan definitely is going to come back this week…?”

KOC: “Well, we’re going to open his window and we’ll see how he progresses. Coming off of a hamstring [injury] you never quite know, so I don’t want to be absolute. But the plan is to open his window, get him some work and hopefully have him available [on Sunday].”

Kevin O’Connell press conference back-and-forth from Monday

Related: What We Learned About the Vikings in Latest Nerve-Racking Win vs Seahawks

The reporter who asked that Ivan Pace Jr follow-up question to the Minnesota Vikings head coach was the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer. That is notable, because of something Krammer said late last week, as a guest on Matthew Coller‘s “Purple Insider” podcast.

Ivan Pace Jr has been ready to return…?

There, the Vikings insider and beat writer recalled a recent comment from Kevin O’Connell where, “reading between the lines”, the head coach pretty much admitted that the Vikings mistakenly placed Pace Jr on injured reserve.

That the sophomore linebacker’s hamstring injury was not as serious as they originally determined, and he’s been healthy enough to return, but just hadn’t yet reached the four weeks on IR necessary to make him eligible.

“O’Connell mentioned something this week, where he said, you know, maybe his return would have been sooner than we expected, meaning that I think they probably, reading between the lines, it seems like he could have been out here this week, but he’s on IR, so they can’t bring him back yet.”

Andrew Krammer – Purple Insider Podcast

Fabian Moreau, Jalen Redmond much more questionable

Back to KOC’s press conference from Monday, where he also gave updates on Jalen Redmond and backup CB Fabian Moreau, who have more questions surrounding their status for week 17 than Ivan Pace Jr and Harrison Smith.

Related: Week 16 PFF Grades: Minnesota Vikings’ Top Performers and Key Takeaways

Redmond is still in concussion protocol, but he is doing better than last week. Independent doctors will work with Vikings doctors to monitor the 25-year-old‘s progress the rest of this week, to see if he is able to clear protocol. As for Moreau, he is still nursing his way back from a hip injury suffered in week 15 vs Chicago.

The 30-year-old also sounds like more of a longshot to be active vs the Packers. Even with Gilmore healthy, Moreau proved himself as very serviceable and would allow defensive coordinator Brian Flores a much deeper group of cornerbacks, for this final two-game stretch run.

Pace has been a reliable part of the Vikings defense this season, playing 9 weeks so far with a PFF grade of 63.8. While that’s a dip from his 77.1 grade last year, there’s still plenty of time for him to improve once he’s back on the field. So, when can we expect him to return?

Will Minnesota Vikings ILB Ivan Pace Jr. back in 4 weeks?

Today, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the media and shared his heavy optimism in Ivan Pace Jr. He believes the linebacker will be ready to return as soon as he’s eligible to come off injured reserve in 4 weeks.

Kevin O’Connell said he’s hopeful Ivan Pace will return from injured reserve as soon as he’s eligible to return in four weeks. “He will be back,” O’Connell said. “I’m hopeful that [return date] looks very similar to that four-week timeline.”

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 27, 2024

Ivan Pace Jr. will be out at least through Week 16, but there’s a chance he could return by Week 17. Either way, it sounds like he’ll at least be ready for the playoffs, which begin right after Week 18, and his presence will be a big boost to the defense.

Related: The Minnesota Vikings are Signing Daniel Jones

Pace has recorded 32 tackles and 17 assists, along with 3 sacks through the first 9 games of the season. While his stats aren’t as strong as his impressive rookie year, where he recorded 70 tackles and 26 assists over all 18 games, he’s been dealing with a string of injuries. That could be a big factor in the drop-off in his performance.

The Vikings had some tough luck with injuries during the game. Early on, newly-acquired tackle Cam Robinson and standout linebacker Ivan Pace both went down and didn’t make it back to the field. Later in the game, QB Sam Darnold also got banged up but eventually returned.

Kevin O’Connell gives update on injured Minnesota Vikings

After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media about the win and the team’s injuries. He didn’t share much about Cam Robinson or Ivan Pace Jr., saying updates would come after Monday’s evaluations.

On Monday, O’Connell didn’t have much more to offer, though he did say that Cam Robinson has had this type of injury before, and played through it. Unfortunately, things may not be as optimistic for Ivan Pace Jr, though we will all cross our fingers and hope that is incorrect.

Kevin O’Connell said the Vikings are still evaluating Ivan Pace, Cam Robinson and Jay Ward after injuries yesterday. It’s the same foot for Robinson, O’Connell said. “I’m confident it’s pretty similar, and he was able to work through it, so we’ll see how it responds.”

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 25, 2024

Darnold, Pace, and Robinson are key players for the Vikings. Losing any of them would hurt. Given Sam returned to the game, after needing two plays off, you’d have to think he suits up on Sunday. We should know more in the next few days to see if there’s real cause for concern.

Related: Early Vikings vs Cardinals Betting Odds – Minnesota Opens as Slight Favorite

A few weeks ago, Darnold picked up a minor hand injury during the Jaguars game, but it didn’t cost him any playing time. Now it’s his foot that’s in question. Worried? Not after you see the interaction he had with KOC, when he came back into the game on Sunday.

When Sam Darnold came out of the game with his foot injury, Kevin O’Connell didn’t have much time to check in with him in the middle of the drive.

When Darnold went back in, O’Connell said he asked Darnold if he was above a 6 on a scale of 1-10. Darnold gave a thumbs up.…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 24, 2024

For the last three games, the Vikings have played without their starting inside linebacker and defensive green dot, Blake Cashman. It was a struggle, at first, but Brian Flores & Co finally got things figured out last weekend, vs the Colts.

Minnesota Vikings injury report vs Jacksonville Jaguars (Final)

Insider reports this week say Cashman is expected to go, but nobody is willing to guarantee that. Not only was he listed as “Questionable” today, but so was Ivan Pace Jr.. Going another game without Blake Cashman would be worrisome for the Minnesota Vikings. Being without him and his direct replacement would be a problem.

#MINvsJAX injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Blake Cashman, Gabe Murphy* and Ivan Pace Jr.

*Currently in 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/ByCZcuFrfr

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 8, 2024

Akayleb Evans was “Limited” at practice on Thursday, alongside Cashman and Pace Jr.. The CB is no longer on the report above, meaning he is a full go for Sunday. Now stuck behind veterans like Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr, Evans’ snaps will mostly come on special teams.

Related: Jaguars Head Coach Confirms Trevor Lawrence Injury Status vs Vikings

The only other Minnesota Vikings player listed as questionable is outside linebacker (EDGE) Gabe Murphy. The 2024 UDFA training camp stand out is in the beginning stages of his 21-day PUP practice window, and unlikely to suit up.

Minnesota Vikings Friday practice report:

Unfortunately, what looks like a relatively clean bill of health (outside of some questionable linebackers), is really quite the opposite. In the last two weeks, the Vikings have lost their All-Pro caliber left tackle, rookie of the year kicker and starting long-snapper.

Thankfully, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah appears to have made another great in-season signing, with LT Cam Robinson. As long as newly signed Parker Romo doesn’t go into meltdown mode, the Minnesota Vikings roster seems pretty stable, especially given the turmoil it has been through recently.

Jaguars injury issues

Of course, the Minnesota Vikings aren’t the only team dealing with injuries on Sunday. Not only is Trevor Lawrence “Questionable” and unlikely to go, but familiar OL Ezra Cleveland is OUT with an ankle injury. Among the other Jags limited on Friday (and listed as questionable) were wide receivers Brian Thomas and Gabe Davis. Tank Bigsby and Brandon Scherff, however, are both full go.

For example, Minnesota Vikings fans are finding out this afternoon/evening that Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play for their opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Sunday. But Lawrence’s injury isn’t the only one we are keeping eyes on, leading up to this week 10 contest.

The first injury report for the Minnesota Vikings dropped on Wednesday and there were a lot of names on it. That’s what happens on Wednesdays, especially as we creep closer to the end of the season. Hell, the Vikings listed a few players on the injury report yesterday just for “rest”.

Minnesota Vikings practice report for Thursday brings good news

Thursday practice reports in the NFL are taken much more seriously. DNPs on Thursday are unlikely to play Sunday. If a player can’t go on Friday, you might as well rule them out for that week. That’s why it was good to see all three Vikings’ DNPs from yesterday (Bradbury, Van Ginkel, Pace Jr) were either listed as “Full” participants today, or at the least, “Limited”.

Kevin Seifert (ESPN) reports that Gabriel Murphy, who is in his 21-day PUP practice window, had a planned off-day. He did not suffer any sort of setback that kept him out of practice today.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Wednesday Injury Report

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/0CUEfVwMKT

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 7, 2024

As of today, the Minnesota Vikings practice report might look the healthiest it has all season. Blake Cashman appears due to return. Neither TJ Hockenson or Dalton Risner have made an appearance, at all, on this week’s injury reports. We’ll see if Risner gets any run… but that’s another conversation.

Mostly healthy… but with a new left tackle

The only starter in the organization who won’t be on the field vs Jacksonville is Christian Darrisaw. He tore his ACL and MCL two weeks ago, and will not return this season. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah replaced Carrisaw via trade. The Vikings sent conditional day two draft picks to Sunday’s opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, for veteran LT Cam Robinson.

One week in, the move looks genius. Kevin O’Connell called it one of the biggest moves that Kwesi has made since the two arrived here in the 2022 offseason. That’s saying something for a front office that has traded for TJ Hockenson, drafted Jordan Addison and plucked Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard from free agency.

Related: Would the Minnesota Vikings be Better with Kirk Cousins at Quarterback?

If the Minnesota Vikings can avoid some sort of freak late-week injury on Friday or Saturday, this team should have one of the best collections of talent it’s put out on the field yet this season. Without Lawrence (not that he would have made the difference), Sunday should be a long day for the (2-7) Jacksonville Jaguars.

Of course… as a Minnesota sports fan… I’ve read this story before and it rarely ends how it is supposed to.

Minnesota Vikings Wednesday injury report

Starting center Garrett Bradbury and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel both skipped today’s practice for rest, not due to any injuries. In even better news, the Vikings got one important player back on the practice field, inside linebacker Blake Cashman.

The first #Vikings injury report of the week. pic.twitter.com/KcKuSVKuFm

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 6, 2024

Cashman, a hometown favorite, finally returned to practice Wednesday, after being sidelined for the past few games. He’s aiming to get back into form, and there’s a chance we might see him back in action this week. He was only limited in practice today.

It’s not exactly reassuring to see Ivan Pace Jr. back on the injury report. He’s already missed some time earlier this season, and now he’s dealing with a knee tweak from Sunday night’s game. Today, he didn’t practice at all, which isn’t promising.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign John Parker Romo Among Bevy of Roster Moves

Akayleb Evans, Gabe Murphy, Theo Jackson, and Josh Oliver all made the injury report, but they were still able to practice. Jackson and Oliver were full participants, while Evans and Murphy were somewhat limited.

The Vikings announced that star tight end TJ Hockenson is expected to return to practice once his PUP window closes on Friday. In addition, it looks like all of their starters will be ready for Sunday’s game. At least, that’s the indication from today’s injury report.

Tuesday’s Minnesota Vikings injury report

Today’s injury report featured a promising update on Ivan Pace Jr., who has been sidelined since Week 2. He was back in practice today, though limited, signaling a potential return for the Minnesota Vikings this week.

The first #NYJvsMIN injury report of the week pic.twitter.com/ytyMYRXx0t

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 2, 2024

Cornerback Akayleb Evans was out of practice today due to illness. The hope is that it’s nothing too serious and won’t affect his availability for the upcoming game in London.

Meanwhile, tight end Josh Oliver, who scored a touchdown in Sunday’s 31-29 win over the Packers, was limited in practice today with a wrist injury. While it’s concerning, the fact that he was able to participate is a positive sign that it’s not holding him back too much.

Related: Former Vikings’ Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs Really Was a Diva

Wide receiver Brandon Powell was limited in today’s practice after suffering an injury on Sunday. It’s encouraging to see him back on the field and able to participate too.

Quarterback Sam Darnold appeared on the injury report, but there’s no reason for concern. He was a full participant in practice as he continues to recover from a minor knee injury sustained in Week 3.

Some important players have missed practice leading up to the game. The Vikings have released their injury report, giving fans a clearer picture of who will be playing and who’s sidelined for Sunday’s matchup.

Minnesota Vikings week 4 injury report vs Green Bay Packers

Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the media after today’s practice, sharing updates on which players will be available for this week’s game. In a positive turn for the Vikings and their fans, only one player will miss Sunday’s matchup.

Coach Kevin O'Connell gives an update on the injury report pic.twitter.com/UHxeWvBTY2

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2024

“Ivan Pace will be out this week. He’s getting really close, and we hope to have him back next week, but we want to be smart with Ivan and give him the weekend to get him up and rolling. He’s done a nice job in his rehab and is right around the corner from being back out there with us full time. Other than that, no otherCo players will go in with a game designation. A lot of guys got some full work today.”

Kevin O’Connell

Coach O’Connell announced that Ivan Pace Jr. will be the only player sidelined this week, with some key players making their return. Among them are Jordan Addison, Dallas Turner, and Christian Darrisaw, three essential contributors to the Minnesota Vikings lineup.

Related: One Year Around Bud Grant Shaped Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell

Addison and Turner have missed the last two games due to minor injuries since week one. However, both are set to make their highly anticipated returns this week.

Darrisaw missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness, but he’s expected to be ready for Sunday. As a key player on the offensive line, his presence will be important for the team.

This is major news for the Vikings as they aim to go 4-0 and kick off their division play with a win. With a trip to London next weekend and a bye the following week, staying healthy is crucial for their success. It looks like the Vikings are getting back on track just in time.

Surprise: Minnesota Vikings will be without Ivan Pace Jr vs Texans

So on Friday, when it was reported that Addison and Turner did not practice, nobody was surprised. But then, Kevin O’Connell walked up to the podium, afterwards, and announced three injured players who will not be active this weekend. They included the expected Addison, Turner… and, surprise, Ivan Pace Jr.

Not only has Pace Jr been dealing with a quad injury, but he also “tweaked” his ankle during yesterday’s practice, on top of it. That, according to KOC, was the proverbial dagger for Ivan’s availability on Sunday.

Jordan Addison, Dallas Turner and Ivan Pace are out for the #Vikings on Sunday, Kevin O’Connell said. Pace got an ankle injury while working through his quad issue yesterday.

Addison is “in a good place,” O’Connell said, and should have a good chance for the Packers game.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 20, 2024

Ivan Pace Jr signed with the Minnesota Vikings, as an undrafted free agent in 2023, and immediately stuck out in camp, before eventually usurping Brian Asamoah, as a starting middle linebacker, going on to enjoy one of the best UDFA seasons in franchise history.

• Ivan Pace Jr 2023 Stats: 102 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 9 QB Hits, 1 INT, 2 PD

In two games starting next to new teammate Blake Cashman, in 2024, Pace has totaled 15 tackles, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss. Unfortunately, he will not get an opportunity to add onto those totals vs the Houston Texans, on Sunday.

Related: Justin Jefferson Blames Himself for Injury

From the studios that brought you David Long Jr, may I present to you: Ivan Pace Jr (LB no. 0) ! pic.twitter.com/0zYUIwQ9hn

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 20, 2024

With Pace Jr out, we can expect to see more Brian Asamoah and/or Kamu Grugier-Hill.

This Vikings’ regime really seems to value the undrafted free agent market. They’ve hit on some diamonds in the rough such as Ivan Pace Jr., Andre Carter II, and NaJee Thompson. Pace Jr. started most of 2023 and has even shown glimpses of elite inside linebacker play.

Although most of them likely won’t make the final 53-man roster, the Vikings have tipped their hand a bit on which players they have the most faith in, based on the amount of money they have guaranteed them.

How much money are Minnesota Vikings UDFAs guaranteed?

While not all of the undrafted free agent class contracts have been posted, there are a few of them that have. Let’s just say, some of the numbers may surprise you. At least for a few of them.

Some total guaranteed money from the #Vikings UDFA class per Over the Cap. For reference, last year OLB Andre Carter II got $340K and ILB Ivan Pace Jr. got $236K:
💥OLB Gabriel Murphy: $245K
💥CB Dwight McGlothern: $30K
💥WR Jeshaun Jones: $235K
💥OLB Bo Richter: $15K
💥DL Taki… pic.twitter.com/hSGbOEoJRH

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 20, 2024

According to Over the Cap, here are several Vikings’ undrafted free agents guaranteed money given by the Vikings:

Related: Will Justin Jefferson Show Up For Any Minnesota Vikings Offseason Workouts?

It’s quite the spectrum of guaranteed money given out. Everything from $15K (Bo Richter) to $245K (Gabriel Murphy). Comparing those to this year, you can see that Murphy and Jones got exponentially more money compared to the others.

Guaranteed money this year vs last year

Looking at how much they individually guaranteed UDFAs from last year’s class, Gabriel Murphy and Jeshaun Jones’ deals stand out as very similar to what Andre Carter II ($340K) and Ivan Pace Jr. ($236K ) got last year. Both, as already mentioned, made the final 53-man roster and contributed to the 2023 Vikings in significant ways..

Related: ESPN Expert Reveals Two NFL Free Agents the Vikings Should Target; One You Might Know

While the money mentioned above is guaranteed, UDFA roster spots are not. But without a doubt, the Minnesota Vikings have a lot of faith in at least a few guys, just given how much they paid them. From there, we’ll have to see how things play out over these next few months.