Vikings Make 2 Roster Moves on Christmas Eve
The Minnesota Vikings are right in the midst of a magical season. Despite the oddsmaker’s underwhelming projected win total of 6.5, the club is fighting for the top seed in the NFC playoff picture and rivaling the Detroit Lions for the division crown.
Vikings Make 2 Roster Moves on Christmas Eve
Roster health is a big component this late in the season. The Vikings won’t get star left tackle Christian Darrisaw back, and they won’t get a good look at J.J. McCarthy, their top rookie. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon is also lost for the season.
One guy who returns to the practice field this week and has a good chance to return to the lineup on Sunday is linebacker Ivan Pace.
The franchise announced that his 21-day practice window has been opened. He is eligible to practice normally for the next 21 days. At some point during that timeframe, the Vikings must activate him to the 53-man roster. He had spent the last four weeks on IR after suffering a hamstring injury in the first matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Pace is a key piece for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He is an excellent pass rusher from the second level and is a crucial piece in stopping the run. With Josh Jacobs and Green Bay’s elite rushing attack coming to town, his return couldn’t come at a better time.
Once he’s fully cleared, he will line up next to veteran Blake Cashman to form the usual linebacker duo.
In addition to that, the Vikings filled an opening on the practice squad with cornerback Ambry Thomas.
The Vikings wrote on their website: “The Vikings (13-2) on Tuesday announced the signing of cornerback Ambry Thomas to their practice squad. Thomas was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round (102nd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Michigan, where he overlapped with Vikings defensive back Joshua Metellus for three seasons (2017-19) with the Wolverines.”
The former 102nd draft choice spent his whole career with the 49ers. However, he was placed on IR in August and hasn’t played since. The 49ers released him last week. Indianapolis claimed him off waivers, but he failed his physical and was released once again.
It remains to be seen whether the four-year pro is now past his injury. The Vikings had an opening on the practice squad because pass rusher Andre Carter was poached by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Thomas provides depth behind the starters Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy, and Shaq Griffin. Rookie Dwight McGlothern and veteran Fabian Moreau are also on the 53-man roster.
Between 2021 and 2023, Thomas played in 42 regular season games with the 49ers and five more in the playoffs. He also appeared in February’s Super Bowl loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The defender has played 855 defensive snaps and 353 on special teams, logging two interceptions and 79 tackles.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt