The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield just took a major hit. Veteran running back Aaron Jones has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, sidelining him for at least the next four weeks.
Jones, 30, joined Minnesota in 2024 and topped 1,000 rushing yards in his debut season with the team. But through the first two weeks of 2025, his role had shifted, tallying just 13 carries total, with most of his usage coming in the passing game.
That opens the door for Jordan Mason to take over as the Vikings’ primary back. Mason, who logged 153 carries for 789 yards and 3 touchdowns in 12 games last season with the 49ers, has already been solid in purple: 24 carries for 98 yards across the first two games this year.
The timing of Jones’ injury comes during a tricky stretch of the schedule, and removes a valuable backfield safety valve for struggling 2nd-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
- Week 3: vs. Bengals (home)
- Week 4: @. Steelers (in Ireland)
- Week 5: @ Browns (in London)
- Week 6: Bye Week
Mason will get every chance to prove he can be a reliable starter before Jones has a shot to return. If he delivers, Minnesota may not miss a beat in its ground game.