Vikings HC Has His “Fingers Crossed” for Injured Star Playmaker
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell didn’t have firm answers. As per usual, though, he expressed some optimism.
Aaron Jones left the game early on due to a hip injury. Accordingly, the offense struggled, largely due to New York’s capacity to matchup with the Justin Jefferson/Jordan Addison duo with the Sauce Gardner/D.J. Reed duo. Lacking a third option really hurt Minnesota, but O’Connell has his “fingers crossed” that he won’t be without Mr. Jones for too long.
Vikings HC Has His “Fingers Crossed” on Aaron Jones
Prior to the injury, Jones was his usually productive self.
The 29-year-old playmaker was sitting on 7 carries for 29 yards (4.1 average). For comparison, Jones’ replacement — Ty Chandler — finished his day with 14 carries for 30 yards (2.1 average). So, being unable to move the ball on the ground with efficiency was indeed an issue, especially since Sam Darnold was having an off day.
Keep in mind, too, that Jones does damage as a pass catcher. Prior to leaving the game, Jones hauled in a single pass for 24 yards in an acrobatic catch. He would have been fed a lot more had he been able to remain in the game.
Toward the beginning of his press conference, the Vikings HC took on the topic.
“We’ll go into our bye, get healthy at a couple spots,” O’Connell noted. He then went on to suggest that “Aaron Jones did have a right hip and not return” before offering a bit more detail: “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that that hopefully will be short term.”
Keep in mind, as well, that Akayleb Evans needed to come out of the game. The backup corner and special teams gunner had an issue with his “left hip flexor.”
Minnesota is now moving into their bye week. As a result, there will be a bit more time than normal for players to nurse their bumps and bruises, Jones foremost among them.
The veteran runner is working on a single-season deal that’s paying him $7 million. So far, that number has appeared to be a bargain. He makes a noticeable difference in the offense, routinely turning carries into medium-sized gains while also showing an ability to be explosive.
The cherry on top is that he’s such a capable pass rusher. Seeing a fully healthy Jones operate alongside all of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson is going to be a scary sight for the opposition.
The Vikings’ next game is going to come against the Detroit Lions. It takes place on Sunday, October 20th. Getting Mr. Jones back would go a long way in ensuring that the record remains perfect.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.