The Minnesota Vikings are placing running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night and will now be knocked out for at least the next four games. Jordan Mason now becomes Minnesota's unquestioned RB1 and a must-start in fantasy every week. For more RB depth, the Vikings signed Cam Akers to their practice squad. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, so the earliest Jones would be able to return would be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old veteran needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he heals up, but he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry the first two weeks and looked like the second-best RB in Minnesota's backfield before his injury. Zavier Scott will be elevated to No. 2 duties behind Mason for the foreseeable future.
Sep 16, 2025 5:17 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Jones injured his hamstring in Sunday night's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the second half and never returned to the game. Before the injury, the 30-year-old veteran didn't look very good, going for only 23 rushing yards on his five carries. He also didn't catch a single pass while playing only 20 offensive snaps. Jones was a consistent performer for fantasy managers in 2024 in his first year in Minnesota, but so far in 2025, he has been outshone by Jordan Mason, who will be a must-start in fantasy going forward if Jones misses any games. In addition to Mason having an elevated role, Zavier Scott would be bumped up to RB2 duties and could be worth a look off the waiver wire in deeper formats.
Sep 15, 2025 3:07 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) exited during the second half of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Atlanta Falcons and did not return. Minnesota officially listed him as questionable, but he did not return to the field after receiving that designation, nor did the team provide any more updates on his status. As a result, the veteran finished Week 2 with just five carries for 25 rushing yards, and he was unable to haul in his only target. Jordan Mason, who had already been eating into Jones' workload prior to his injury, took over as Minnesota's primary running back for the final quarter. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Jones' practice status during the upcoming week. He has seven days to get healthy before Minnesota takes on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. If he's unable to suit up, Mason would have the lead-back role all to himself, ranking as a mid-range RB2 in fantasy football.
Sep 15, 2025 12:30 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. is a high-end RB3/Flex candidate as his team takes on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. In its first game, Minnesota came up with a solid blueprint that the team is likely to try again, with the veteran earning the lion's share of the backfield receiving work and fellow running back Jordan Mason taking many of the tough running downs. From a fantasy perspective, Jones will get enough rushing work to pair nicely with his receiving ability to consider starting him, especially in PPR formats. The Vikings have shown they trust Jones in big passing situations, and with receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) still out, he's likely to earn at least a few key targets.
Sep 12, 2025 5:31 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. found the end zone for the Vikings in their comeback win on Monday Night Football over the Bears. He finished with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown and added 23 rushing yards on his eight carries. While the touchdown and receiving production kept his Week 1 production solid, he ended up with fewer snaps and carries than Jordan Mason. Mason played 30 snaps and took his 15 carries for a team-high 68 rushing yards, while Jones played 28 snaps and ran more routes than Mason. It looks like a fairly even timeshare overall, making both backs usable but also touchdown-dependent moving forward. Jones and Mason's next matchup will be another primetime contest against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2.
Sep 9, 2025 9:21 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. should be viewed as a flex/RB2 candidate as his team takes on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. A polarizing mid-round draft pick, the veteran back is one of the bigger wild cards in fantasy this season. Jones is a strong receiver who caught 50 passes in addition to surpassing 1,000 rushing yards last year and plays on a capable offense that rebuilt its interior line, but is now 30 years old, playing alongside a first-time starting quarterback, and most importantly, now sharing touches with Jordan Mason, whom the Vikings acquired this offseason. Though a rotation is likely, Jones is still the team's best pass-catching back and should continue to get a steady volume of receiving targets, which will be especially valuable in PPR formats.
Sep 6, 2025 3:47 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is not expected to play Saturday against the Houston Texans. Jones was the starting running back for the Vikings in 2024, totaling over 300 attempts for 1,546 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns. At 30 years old, it's understandable why the Vikings are choosing to rest Jones, while 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play. Jones was listed as the starting running back for the Vikings in their unofficial depth chart. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell has already mentioned that they will use a committee approach with newly signed running back Jordan Mason. While another 300-attempt season is unlikely, Jones should be drafted as a high-end RB3 in most fantasy football formats.
Aug 9, 2025 2:53 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is listed as the starting running back on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Vikings beat writer Craig Peters. Jordan Mason is listed as Jones' primary backup, with Ty Chandler, Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart behind him. Jones is still the top dog in the Vikings' backfield, but the team has made it no secret that they have big plans for Mason as well. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has hinted at reducing Jones' workload in 2025 as part of a "1A/B backfield structure" that includes Mason. Goal-line and short-yardage situations could be where Mason is really used, which is concerning for Jones' fantasy ceiling as an RB2. In his first year in Minnesota, Jones had 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 255 attempts. With a smaller workload likely coming, consider him on the RB2/3 borderline.
Aug 6, 2025 5:11 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.
Apr 7, 2025 12:27 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings are re-signing running back Aaron Jones, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jones' new agreement is a two-year $20 million deal, including $13 million guaranteed. The UTEP product is fresh off his first season with the team, in which he set career-highs in touches (306), carries (255), and rushing yards (1,138) -- totaling seven touchdowns. It was just the third time he'd participated in a full slate of games in his career. The move makes sense for the Vikes, as the 30-year-old was still productive despite dealing with rib, hip, and quad injuries during the 2024 season. It will be interesting to see who the team's signal-caller will be, as J.J. McCarthy (knee) is slated to begin practicing in the spring, though to what extent is unknown. Still, Minnesota has their lead back locked up, and he'll likely be among the first 15-20 backs taken off the board in fantasy drafts this summer.
Mar 9, 2025 6:38 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings want to re-sign impending free-agent running back Aaron Jones, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that even if they do, they are looking for more of a by-committee backfield approach. Lewis expects the Vikings to take a running back in the upcoming NFL draft in April. After signing a one-year, $7 million deal with Minnesota last offseason, the 30-year-old former Packers RB posted his fourth 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added five rushing touchdowns on a career-high 255 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts. He also added 51 catches for 408 yards and another two touchdowns. But Jones is now 30 years old, and the Vikings surely want to lessen his load as he ages if they bring him back in 2025. If Jones returns to the Vikings next season, he could end up being more of a shaky RB2 target in fantasy.
Mar 4, 2025 10:01 AM EST
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Denver Broncos are expected to "take a look" at a versatile back for Sean Payton's rushing scheme. Fowler noted that given Jones' eight years of NFL experience, he could be a strong fit for a team that is looking to take the next step. During the 2024 season, the Broncos struggled to generate much on the ground as they tallied the 17th-most rushing yards per game (112.2). Javonte Williams tallied the most yards out of the backfield (513), with Jaleel McLaughlin just behind with 496 yards. In his debut campaign in Minnesota, Aaron Jones ran for 1,138 yards with five scores on 255 attempts. He added 408 yards and two scores on 51 receptions. Even though he is entering his age-30 season, Jones should be in a good position to tally over 1,000 yards on the ground once again in 2025.
Feb 2, 2025 2:08 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 13 times for 48 yards and hauled in 3-of-6 targets for an additional 12 yards in their 27-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old again dominated backfield touches for the Vikings but didn't have much to show for it. Jones was actually decent when he toted the rock but was mainly phased out of the team's plan of attack after they quickly trailed 17-3 in the first half. That, and quarterback Sam Darnold's ineffectiveness, would be the cause of another average day for the veteran rusher, who failed to eclipse 50 yards on the ground in his last three outings. Unfortunately, Minnesota's season will end despite working to a 14-3 record in the regular season. Jones will now hit the market, headlining the list of free-agent RBs in 2025.
Jan 14, 2025 12:00 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) carries no designation into his road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The 30-year-old has been bothered by a quad injury for a few weeks now, but he's yet to be inactive. It's excellent news, too, as backfield mate Cam Akers (illness) popped up as a late-week DNP and is questionable for the contest with an illness. Jones' rushing totals have declined recently, but he's been involved in the passing game -- reeling in nine catches over his previous two outings. If Akers is unable to suit up, the veteran would likely be due for an elevated workload with Ty Chandler (illness) working in behind him. The Rams haven't let up a ton of fantasy points to RBs, but they did allow the 130 yards per game on the ground to opposing offenses. The former Green Bay Packer is RotoBaller's PPR RB10 for the Wild Card round.
Jan 11, 2025 5:09 PM EST
For the second straight day this week, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was limited in practice on Friday. Jones was also on last week's injury report with the quad issue before suiting up and playing 62 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 18 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale. Jones had 15 touches for 75 scrimmage yards. The 30-year-old should be available on wild-card weekend for the Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, although he could carry a questionable tag into that one if he's limited again on Friday. As Minnesota's backfield leader in a high-scoring offense, Jones should at least be considered a low-end RB1 for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. The Rams defense was in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed to RBs in 2024, while Jones had 19 carries for 58 yards in the loss to LA back on Oct. 24.
Jan 10, 2025 6:04 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) remains on the injury report and was limited in the first practice of the week on Thursday. The Vikings still have two more days of practice, so as long as Jones can return to a full session by Saturday, he should be cleared to face the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card playoff round on Monday night. The 30-year-old was also limited in practice with his quad injury last week but ended up playing in the Sunday night loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions in the Week 18 regular-season finale, seeing 15 touches for 75 scrimmage yards on a 62% snap share. For the volume alone as Minnesota's primary back in a high-scoring offense, Jones should be considered a low-end RB1 for wild-card weekend in fantasy. In the loss to the Rams back on Oct. 24, Jones had 19 carries for 58 yards and also caught two passes for 37 yards.
Jan 9, 2025 5:34 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 10 times for 45 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, adding 30 yards through the air on five of six receiving. The 30-year-old was effective when he touched the rock but did not receive his typical allotment of snaps in this one. Jones was utilized heavily on the Vikings' first drive but saw just one more touch in the quarter before taking off for a few possessions. He'd again be frequently featured on their last drive of the first half, but he saw only five more touches for the rest of the game. The broadcast noted that the eighth-year pro had been on the sideline for an extended period, though no injury designation had been made. He'd also take a shot later in the game and was slow to get up, so that and his previous quad ailment are possibly the culprits for his diminished snaps. Seeing the veteran limited at practice this week wouldn't be surprising. Jones will get an extra day of rest as his team now prepares for their road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night to cap off wild-card weekend. Minnesota's first practice report will be out on Thursday.
Jan 6, 2025 12:19 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) is without designation for Sunday night's divisional clash with the Detroit Lions. The eighth-year pro picked up a quad injury in last weekend's bout against his former team -; kicking the week off with back-to-back limited sessions. However, on Friday, he was a full participant and enters the road tilt all systems go. Jones is the RB14 on the season -; averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game. Although Detroit's D has been friendly through the air, they've been staunch against opposing rushing attacks. The Lions are letting up just 97 yards per game on the ground (third-fewest) and the fifth-least fantasy points per game to RBs (19.1). Still, in a game with the highest over/under of the week (57) -; there should be plenty of offense to go around. The 30-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB13 in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 4:37 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as limited again in the team's second practice of the week on Thursday. Jones suffered an apparent quadriceps contusion in the second half of their Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers and never returned to the contest. However, the 30-year-old veteran's injury isn't considered serious, and he has a shot to play in the Week 18 divisional showdown on Sunday against the Detroit Lions that will decide not only the NFC North champions, but the No. 1 overall seed in the conference for the postseason. Jones could get a questionable tag going into Sunday night's game if he's limited again on Friday, but we're expecting him to suit up and play his usual number of snaps as Minnesota's starter. At worst, Jones will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy. He had 14 carries for 93 yards and a TD in the first meeting against Detroit.
Jan 2, 2025 5:11 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as a limited practice participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Jones suffered a quadriceps contusion late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday and didn't return to the game. However, the 30-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, giving him a good chance to be ready to go for a huge Week 18 contest against the division-rival Detroit Lions that will decide the winner of the NFC North and the top seed in the NFC postseason. Jones has been the RB15 in half-PPR scoring in his first year in Minnesota with 245 carries for 1,093 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 46 receptions for 378 yards and two more TDs in 16 games. If Jones is active, he'll be a top-10 fantasy RB with many teams resting their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale.
Jan 1, 2025 6:47 PM EST
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