The Vikings have ruled LB Blake Cashman out for the second straight game with a toe injury. His absence means full playing time for LB Ivan Pace Jr. No other non-edge Minnesota LB played more than 16% of defensive snaps last week, though. We'll see about Cashman's outlook for a Week 9 home date with the Colts.

Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr. told Kay Adams on her show Monday that he'll wear the green dot on his helmet this season and call the plays in the defensive huddle. That's a significant revelation for the second-year player, who saw his playing time vary last year and then watched the team pay up for LB Blake Cashman in free agency.

Vikings LB Jordan Hicks (shin) is active for today's game against the Lions. Minnesota activated him from IR Saturday, and it appears Hicks is ready to reclaim his role. There's some risk to playing him right away following a four-game absence, but we're willing to take that shot in LB2 range of the Week 16 LB rankings. Rookie LB Ivan Pace Jr. (shoulder) is active as well after turning up questionable with a late-week shoulder injury. He filled in well for Hicks but now carries a playing-time question with Hicks back. Pace sits in LB3 territory of our rankings. DT Harrison Phillips (back) is also active but sits lower in our DL rankings than usual. There is tackle upside against a Detroit offense that likes to run.