Vikings lose key defensive starter ahead of battle vs. Cardinals

The Vikings placed a starting linebacker on injured reserve ahead of their game against the Cardinals in Week 13.

The Arizona Cardinals will face the Minnesota Vikings this coming Sunday in Week 13. Minnesota’s defense, fifth in the league in points allowed at 17.9 points per game and No. 1 in rush defense allowing 74.7 yards per game, will be without a key defensive starter.

Linebacker Ivan Pace, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of the Vikings’ 30-27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears, was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday. He will miss the game against the Cardinals and at least three more games.

Pace has 59 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss and six quarterback hits on the season, having played in nine games.

After Pace’s injury, Blake Cashman moved over to replace him and the Vikings used Kamu Grugier-Hill in the other linebacker spot.

They signed former Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis on Tuesday. He could see playing time on Sunday.

The Cardinals and Vikings kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (11 a.m. Arizona time) from U.S. Bank Stadium.

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