There’s an Aaron Jones Injury Update
The Minnesota Vikings are 7-2 and a major reason for the success is the recent free-agent class. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been scolded for his lack of hits in the draft, but his talent for acquiring veterans is undeniable. The 2024 group includes top defenders Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Blake Cashman, as well as solid cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin. Meanwhile, running back Aaron Jones has made a huge impact on offense.
There’s an Aaron Jones Injury Update
The running attack resulted in various bottom-five rankings just last season, so the Vikings took action and lured the longtime rival to the Twin Cities. At the age of 29, that was a bet to some extent, but so far, the purple and gold are winning that bet convincingly.
However, Jones left the game against Jacksonville with a chest injury. After grimacing on the sidelines, the team doctors escorted him to the X-ray room to ensure there weren’t any concerns going forward. He later returned to close out the game. Still, chest injuries are painful and could hurt the man’s availability.
On Wednesday, there was an update, and he’s trending in the right direction for when the Vikes head to Tennessee on Sunday to enter their third consecutive AFC South clash.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted Wednesday from Kevin O’Connell’s press conference, “Aaron Jones (ribs) might be a bit limited in practice early this week, but Kevin O’Connell said he feels good about having him for Sunday’s game at Tennessee.”
The Vikings did, in fact, list him on Wednesday’s injury report as a limited participant with a rib injury, but the fact that he was limited is encouraging.
Earlier in the season, Jones suffered a hip injury in the London game and was in danger of missing some time. Fortunately, the bye week came at the right time, and the dynamic rusher didn’t miss any games.
Last season, Jones was limited to 11 regular season games with the Packers as an MCL sprain and a hamstring strain bothered him. So far, the Vikings seem to be more fortunate. He has avoided any absences so far.
After Sunday’s game, Jones told reporters, “We did an X-ray, a little sore now, but not near as bad as I thought it was gonna be from the initial hit,” Jones said. “I thought it might’ve cracked something. But I’m good. God’s good. He had his protection on me.”
Jones’ importance is undeniable. He is a much more efficient back than his teammates Cam Akers and Ty Chandler, simply by understanding which holes to take. Of course, he is also a shifty back who can make defenders miss.
In nine contests with the Vikings, Jones has rushed for 653 yards and two touchdowns, adding 28 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown. He is a vital outlet for quarterback Sam Darnold in the passing game.
The Tennessee Titans rank eighth in rushing DVOA. It will not be easy to run against that opponent, so having Jones in the lineup is crucial.
Jones, 29, signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Vikings. To this point, he has been well worth that investment.
Editor’s Note: Information from FTN Fantasy, Over the Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt