The Minnesota Vikings will host the Green Bay Packers for a rematch on Sunday after defeating the rivals earlier in the season with a dominant first half. Green Bay is still in reach with two wins behind the Vikings, but the purple team wants to stay in the race for the NFC North, so a win is required.
Vikings Release First Injury Report Ahead of Packers Showdown
vikings
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
In the last road game in Seattle, the Vikings were shorthanded on defense, missing emerging defensive tackle Jalen Redmond as well as superstar safety Harrison Smith. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. sat out his fourth consecutive game and, therefore, is eligible to return from IR.
On Tuesday, the Vikings opened his 21-day window. Pace can return to practice, and the team can activate and add him to the 53-man roster at any point during that three-week span.
Neither the Vikings nor the Packers held practice on Christmas day, but the teams still released an estimated injury report, meaning they guessed how much work the players would’ve done had they practiced. Pace is listed with a full practice, and it seems like his comeback can be expected to come on Sunday.
His return will complete the linebacker duo of Pace and Blake Cashman. Pace is an impact player at the line of scrimmage who can blow up running plays and pressure the quarterback like only a few others from the middle linebacker spot.
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner (89) catches a pass as Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) defends during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Smith is listed with a DNP (did not participate), which is unfortunate for a player who could play his final home game on Sunday. The 35-year-old contemplated retirement last offseason, and it can’t be ruled out that the 2024 campaign is his final attempt to chase the elusive Super Bowl.
He suffered a foot injury in Week 15 and missed the game against the Seahawks as a game-time decision. It seemed like he was close to suiting up, but the DNP is concerning. Still, the Vikings regularly give him rest days, and there are two practice days remaining for a player who’s so experienced that he doesn’t need much time on the practice field anyway. In addition to that, his head coach has sounded quite optimistic whenever talking to the press in the last few days.
If he can’t go, it would once again mean more playing time for backup Theo Jackson, and perhaps Bobby McCain would get another call-up from the practice squad.
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) recovers a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Redmond, who also missed the game in Seattle due to a concussion, was listed as a limited participant. It remains to be seen whether he can clear concussion protocol in time. Given Green Bay’s strong rushing attack, having the rising star available would be helpful.
Backup Cornerback Fabian Moreau has been dealing with a hip injury. He didn’t appear in the game against the Seahawks and couldn’t have practiced on Wednesday. If he can’t play, Dwight McGlothern would be elevated to CB4. Ambry Thomas, the new signing, might have an outside shot to make his season debut.
Patrick Jones, Blake Cashman, C.J. Ham, and Josh Oliver all made an appearance on the injury report but with a full-practice designation, which means they should be good to go.
