The Minnesota Vikings are expected to open linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.'s 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve this week.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday he's "very excited" to see Pace return to the team but also noted it's too early to tell whether the linebacker will be back in time to take on the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Pace has been on injured reserve since suffering a hamstring injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 12.
"We're going to open his window, and we'll see how he progresses," O'Connell said on Monday. "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."
Pace has started in nine games for Minnesota this season, tallying 59 total tackles, three sacks and six tackles for loss.
He also returned a David Montgomery fumble for a touchdown in the Vikings' loss to the Lions in Week 7.
O'Connell also provided an update on safety Harrison Smith, who missed last week's contest against the Seattle Seahawks due to a foot injury.
"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 about Smith.
O'Connell also said defensive tackle Jalen Redmond — who has entered concussion protocol — is "doing well".
"Hope to work him back in throughout the week," the head coach noted about Redmond.
In an additional move on Tuesday, the Vikings signed cornerback Ambry Thomas to its practice squad. Thomas has played the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in 42 games (11 starts), making 79 tackles, snagging two interceptions and defensed 12 passes and forcing a fumble.
