EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are taking the first step to returning a key member of the defense.
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell told media members Monday the team plans to open Ivan Pace, Jr.'s, 21-day practice window this week.
Pace landed on Injured Reserve after suffering a hamstring injury against the Bears in Week 12.
Though he's "very excited" to see Pace back on the field, O'Connell noted it's too early to determine if the linebacker will be activated to the 53-man roster for Sunday's Border Battle.
"We're going to open his window, and we'll see how he progresses," O'Connell said. "Coming off a hamstring, you just never quite know. I don't want to be absolute, but the plan is — as of right now — to open his window, get him some work and then hopefully have him available."
Prior to the injury, Pace started nine games and totaled 59 tackles, 3.0 sacks and six tackles for loss. He also recovered a David Montgomery fumble and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown against the Lions in Week 7.
"We talk a lot about play style, and Ivan is the poster guy for that because he tackles, he flies around when he blitzes," O'Connell said. "He's as impactful as anybody. And when you can really get him and [Blake Cashman] out there at the same time, they both can really play to their strengths.
"They're both really good blitzers," he added. "Cash is phenomenal in coverage and reading the quarterback, and when you can kind of pair those guys together, run and pass, that's when we're at our best, considering [Joshua] Metellus, [Harrison Smith] and Cam [Bynum] their impact from the safety position."
In addition to the Pace news, O'Connell provided updates on Smith, who was sidelined Sunday in Seattle because of a foot injury, and Jalen Redmond, who has been working through the concussion protocol.
He reiterated what he'd said Sunday night, that it had been a game-time decision to keep Smith out against the Seahawks.
"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," O'Connell said. "Jalen Redmond is doing well in the [concussion] protocol, entering the next phase of that, and hope to work him back in throughout the week."
The Vikings are slated to kick off against the Packers at 3:25 (CT), after the NFL flexed the divisional matchup from its original noon time slot.
