Vikings Expect to Lose Blake Cashman for Multiple Games

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

LB Eric Wilson filled in after Cashman left and figures to start in his place. 

Third-year LB Ivan Pace Jr. -- the other regular starter -- should be the better bet for playing time and fantasy production, though.

Pace jumped to full playing time when Cashman lost three games to injury in the middle of last season. Pace racked up 10, 13, and 6 tackles in those contests, with a QB hit in two of them, 1 sack, and a fumble-return TD.

Pace beat Cashman last year in Pro Football Focus grades for run defense and pass rushing, but he graded out terribly in coverage.

Cashman's absence could hurt the Vikings' D in short-to-mid range coverage, especially if S Harrison Smith remains out.

We'll see about the return timeline for Cashman. Minnesota's Week 6 bye could motivated the team to place him on short-term IR if the decision's close.

Waiver Wire Targets

Pace is worth a waiver-wire look in IDP leagues of at least moderate depth this week. Minnesota gets Bijan Robinson and the Falcons in Week 2, with a home date against the Bengals in Week 3.

Injury History

Cashman previously lost games to hamstring injuries in 2022 and 2023. He lost three games last season to turf toe.