When the final Minnesota Vikings injury report before the team's Week 3 game against the Houston Texans was shared on Friday, it revealed a surprise that no one really expected.
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been dealing with a quad injury all week, and after injuring his ankle in Thursday's practice, the team has ruled him out for this weekend's matchup against the Texans.
In addition to Pace, Minnesota will also be without wide receiver Jordan Addison (due to an ankle injury) and rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner (knee).
Final Minnesota Vikings injury report for Week 3 vs. the Houston Texans
Final Vikings Injury Report for Week 3
Player | Injury | Week 3 Status |
|---|---|---|
Jordan Addison - WR | Ankle | OUT |
Ivan Pace Jr. - ILB | Quad/Ankle | OUT |
Dallas Turner - OLB | Knee | OUT |
Final Texans Injury Report for Week 3
Player | Injury | Week 3 Status |
|---|---|---|
Dameon Pierce - RB | Hamstring | OUT |
Joe Mixon - RB | Ankle | Doubtful |
Jarrett Patterson - IOL | Calf | Questionable |
Juice Scruggs - IOL | Groin | Questionable |
M.J. Stewart - S | Knee | Questionable |
While the Vikings will be without a trio of notable players on Sunday, several members of the Texans are also dealing with significant injuries heading into the weekend.
Houston running back Joe Mixon is listed as doubtful for Sunday, and with fellow running back Dameon Pierce already ruled out with an injured hamstring, there's a good chance that former Minnesota running back Cam Akers will be starting in the Texans' offensive backfield this weekend.
Mixon currently ranks seventh in the NFL with 184 rushing yards in Houston's first two games this season. So, it will be a big loss for the Texans if he can't suit up against the Vikings on Sunday.
As for who will replace Pace in Minnesota's starting lineup this week, third-year linebacker Brian Asamoah is listed as his backup on the team's depth chart, so most would assume he would be given the opportunity. However, the Vikings could also choose to roll with veteran backup linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill instead, as he's started 42 games in his nine-year NFL career.
This will be the first matchup Pace has missed since he joined Minnesota as an undrafted rookie last year. He appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last season, and in two contests this year, he's accumulated 15 tackles (one for a loss), three pressures, and one quarterback hit.