The Vikings’ RB1 and The Good News Following the Lions Loss
The Vikings’ RB1 had a strong game on Sunday, showing off his usual burst, balance, and brilliance.
By the end of the game, Aaron Jones was sitting on 14 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Making the numbers look even better is that he turned 3 targets into 3 catches for 23 yards. Kevin O’Connell finished off his press conference by talking about the veteran, relaying some good news along the way.
The Vikings’ RB1 & The Post-Game Update
Safe to say that O’Connell is a fan of the new addition at running back.
“He was phenomenal, yeah, he was really good,” O’Connell began. “He was not 100%,” O’Connell continued, “but literally from the time we touched down from London to today it’s been sun up to sun down treatment.” The head coach then described him as being “a true pro’s pro” and a “standard setter.”
Even better, the man himself spoke to the media and confirmed that he’s feeling really good.
Jones’ update: “I feel good. I was able to make it through the game healthy. Pushed through it. Kudos to our training staff.”
So, that’s excellent news. At this stage, Minnesota’s most dangerous weapon is still Justin Jefferson, but Aaron Jones isn’t too far behind. The former Packer is a touch older and has had some injuries in his past (and present) but he’s objectively one of the best runners in the NFL when he can go.
Later on in the presser, Jones spoke directly about his hamstring. Once again, Jones said that things are fine: “It felt good, had no problems, I was able to make it through the game. Even running some deep routes down field.”
Minnesota is venturing into a short week since they play on Thursday Night Football. Unless there’s an in-week setback, Aaron Jones sounds like he should be ready to roll for that contest.
Needing to play so soon after Sunday isn’t ideal, but the good news is that there will be a mini-bye following the Rams game. The Vikings play on Thursday, October 24th and then don’t need to put on their cleats until Sunday, November 3rd. Even better, that game will be taking place at U.S. Bank Stadium, so the Vikings can settle in at home for a good stretch.
For the season, Jones is sitting on 85 carries, 443 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Rounding out the stats are 20 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown.
Aaron Jones is 29 but will hit his 30th birthday in early December.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference 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.