Aaron Jones returned to the Minnesota Vikings lineup a week and a half ago, healing from a hamstring malady. And on Sunday, the veteran tailback exited the win over the Detroit Lions with yet another injury.
It was basically all smiles for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, defeating the Detroit Lions by three points, but one man will manage another injury.
Jones should be good to go for this weekend at home against the Baltimore Ravens, but that won’t prevent some semblance of a week-long mystery about his status.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones Dinged Up — Again
It’s now a waiting game on his Week 10 availability.
Jones Gashes DET Early; Gets Hurt and Misses Rest of Game
Jones took it to the Lions for a couple of quarters and change but then left the game due to an injury.
NBC Sports‘ Michael David Smith wrote Sunday, “The injury that knocked Minnesota running back Aaron Jones out of today’s game in Detroit was not a serious one. Jones suffered a minor AC joint sprain in his shoulder and expects to play next week against the Ravens, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.”
“When he’s healthy, Jones is the Vikings’ starting running back, and today he was off to a good start with nine carries for 78 yards and two catches for 20 yards before he got hurt. Injuries have limited Jones throughout the season, however, and Jordan Mason has been the Vikings’ leading rusher for most of the year.”
Normally, the tidbit about “expects to play” would tame all fears, but the Vikings often operate under an abundance of caution with injuries.
All told, Jones tabulated 98 yards from scrimmage at Detroit in abbreviated duty.
Jordan Mason in Relief
After Jones hit the shelf, Minnesota turned to Mason, who performed wonderfully as an RB1 for the season’s first five games.
But on Sunday, he logged 10 rushing attempts for 36 yards and just didn’t have the pop like Jones. While Mason could return to his early-season form rather easily, his production has dipped in the last few games, making Jones’ return a welcome sight.
If the reporting is wrong and Jones can’t go this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, Mason would be up once again for RB1 duty.
No Stranger to Injuries
Jones has one knock on his career resume — just one. Injuries.
He missed four games this season with the hamstring problem, and he seemed to tail off last year due to nagging ailments after a rather hot start to his career in Minnesota. Jones also missed time quite frequently as the Green Bay Packers‘ RB1, so this latest brush with adversity is nothing new.
When healthy, the guy is a dual threat as a runner and receiver; it’s just a matter of his availability.
One Day Left to Hedge the Bet via Trade
Meanwhile, the league’s trade deadline is just one day away. If Minnesota wanted to get deeper at running back, especially knowing Jones’ bouts with injuries in 2025, many options are on the table. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could dream big for a tailback like Breece Hall or De’Von Achane. Or he could explore smaller fish like Jaleel McLaughlin, Keaton Mitchell, or Jerome Ford.
Minnesota also has a savvy veteran in Cam Akers on the practice squad, a guy who always seems to make his mark via playmaking when given the opportunity. RB3 Zavier Scott could be in line for more work, too, if needed.
SI.com on Jones
Will Ragatz opined on Jones’ latest injury, “In his second game back from a hamstring injury, Aaron Jones gave the Vikings a huge spark in their 27-24 upset win over the Lions on Sunday. Jones was on track for a massive day until a shoulder injury sidelined him early in the second half.”
“Fortunately, initial reports are that the veteran running back avoided a serious injury and believes he’ll be able to play next Sunday against the Ravens. Pelissero’s report seems to indicate that Jones is dealing with a mild, Grade I sprain of his AC joint. That comes with some pain and range of motion concerns, but it’s also something he can potentially play through without missing any additional time.”
It became crystal clear on Sunday that the Vikings’ offense is at its zenith with J.J. McCarthy under center when the run game is cooking.
“It’ll be worth keeping an eye on the Vikings’ injury reports in the week leading up to next Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Outside of Jones, the Vikings seemed to emerge pretty healthy from their win in Detroit,” Ragatz added.
“They had a scare with Justin Jefferson at one point, but it turned out to be nothing more than a cramp.”
Jones will turn 31 in about five weeks. More about his status will be available on Wednesday’s first injury report of the week.
