Late Vikings Surprise Opens Door for Rookie to Pickup More Work

So far, linebacker Jake Golday has been used sparingly. As in, not at all, at least for Brian Flores on defense.

Maybe that’s about to change due to a Vikings surprise.

Earlier today, the Vikings announced that LB3 Ivan Pace Jr. wasn’t able to travel with the team due to a personal issue arising. The official word from the team’s social media: “LB Ivan Pace Jr. (Not Injury Related – Personal) did not travel with the team and his game status is now questionable.” Pace hasn’t been ruled out, but the possibility is out there. Does that mean more Golday as the defense works toward slowing down Baker Mayfield and friends?

Vikings Surprises Means Jake Golday Has a Shot

To begin, some housekeeping: some things in life are more important than football. Pace is dealing with something that demands his attention; give the man the time he needs away from the field.

In the meantime, Minnesota will be pivoting toward whoever is next at linebacker. The pair of starters will continue being LB1 Blake Cashman — who has been fantastic — and LB2 Eric Wilson — who has been struggling. Next up would appear to be LB4 Jake Golday, who would become the LB3 for the game.

Due remember, as well, that some of the safety talent can be kicked up to play linebacker in nickle and dime. Most prominently, there’s Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus, both of whom boast good size.

Coming into the season, Golday was trending toward getting a nice workload. Many, myself included, had him pencilled in as the next man up behind Cashman and Wilson.

Still others felt that the long-and-strong rookie could soak up some work at edge rusher. After all, he did so in college, proving versatile due to his frame and explosive athleticism. So far, the move has been to bump up Kyle Van Noy while rallying around the excellence from Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Coach Flores has been found sending a blitz here and there, too.

Does Golday now see his playing time increase due to the possible Pace absence?

As cruel as it sounds, the NFL slows down for nobody. Last week, WR3 Jauan Jennings missed time due to a death in the family. Myles Price got leaned on to fulfill the vacated snaps. Quite possibly, the same move could be made with Jake Golday.

The rookie has a pair of tackles but those arrived for Matt Daniels on special teams. Seeing him do some work tomorrow for Brian Flores would be an exciting chance to see what the young lad can do. In theory, Golday can be a matchup piece due to his athletic upside and height.

Note that the Vikings did some other roster housekeeping ahead of the game.

Punter Johnny Hekker got signed to the 53-man roster. Doing so came at the expense of Nick Samac’s roster spot. The backup center has been shuffled to the IR, so he’ll be out for a minimum of four games. And then there has been the move to elevate Van Noy alongside safety Tavierre Thomas from the practice squad for work tomorrow.

Jake Golday, 23, stands at 6’4″ and weighs 240 pounds. He can be found inside the #41 jersey.

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