More pass rush help coming for Vikings after latest roster move

In 2023, undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. turned out to be one of the best new additions of the offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. This year, the Vikings had similar hopes for undrafted linebacker Gabriel Murphy.

Unfortunately, Murphy has been on Minnesota's injured reserve list for the entire 2024 season, and he hasn't appeared in a game yet. However, that could be changing soon.

On Wednesday, the Vikings made a number of roster moves, including opening Murphy's 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve. It might not be much longer until we see the undrafted rookie make his regular-season debut with Minnesota.

Gabriel Murphy could help a Minnesota Vikings pass rush that has slowed down since the bye week

According to data from PFF, the Vikings' defense was able to generate an average of 22.8 pressures per game before their bye in Week 6. But in the three contests since returning from their bye, Minnesota's defense has only been able to average 16.3 pressures per matchup.

Whether it has been a change in approach by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores or opposing teams figuring out how to handle pressure better, Minnesota hasn't been able to get to the quarterback as much as they were earlier in the season.

Whenever Murphy is added to the active roster, he could certainly help the Vikings get their pressure average back to being over 20 per game. During his final college season at UCLA, the rookie linebacker managed to accumulate a total of 61 pressures in 13 matchups., according to PFF.

With Minnesota not adding any new defenders before Tuesday's trade deadline, one would assume they have confidence in the players they already have to help get the team's pass rush back on track. Murphy potentially returning in the near future likely contributed to that confidence, and hopefully, the Vikings will get to find out how much of an impact he can truly make.

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