The Minnesota Vikings are one step closer to getting veteran running back Aaron Jones back on the field. Jones, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a hamstring injury, has been designated for return from injured reserve, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports. This opens a 21-day practice window for Jones, giving the team time to evaluate his readiness before officially activating him to the 53-man roster.
“He potentially could play as soon as Thursday night vs. the Chargers,” Pelissero added on X, though an actual game debut would be ambitious given the nature of hamstring injuries.
Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings
Vikings Open Aaron Jones Return Window Ahead of TNF vs Chargers
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Since Jones went down, the Vikings have leaned heavily on Jordan Mason, who has served as the primary ball carrier. Minnesota had initially planned a committee approach between Mason and Jones in the first two weeks of the season, but Mason has stepped up as the clear lead back during Jones’ absence.
The team also discovered the versatility of Zavier Scott as a pass-catching option out of the backfield, which could influence how the Vikings ease Jones back into action. Minnesota had strategically limited Jones’ workload this offseason, acquiring Mason from the 49ers to prevent overuse after a career-high in touches in 2024.
Timing and Caution Key for Jones’ Return
Jones missed four games while on IR, plus the team’s Week 6 bye, making this the first opportunity for him to return. The Vikings have not commented publicly on his current condition, but his omission from the Week 8 injury report suggests he isn’t fully expected to play against the Chargers.
Even if Jones doesn’t suit up immediately, Minnesota can now integrate him into practice and gradually rebuild his role in the backfield. As Pelissero noted, the 21-day window provides flexibility: the Vikings can “ease him back in a bit” while planning for the future, ensuring that one of their key offensive weapons is ready for the stretch run of the season.
The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Vikings Thursday Night Football, and the quarterback situation for Minnesota has been clarified. Carson Wentz will start, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, giving Minnesota continuity as J.J. McCarthy nears a return from an ankle injury.