Vikings OC compliments Mason for losing weight

Lewis believes that “in the long haul, the Vikings project a potentially game-breaking role.” Thus far, Claiborne’s new teammates have taken to addressing him by his childhood nickname, “Lightning.” And, Lewis, in an admittedly over-the-top manner, describes Claiborne’s lateral movements as “the closest thing you’ll find to real-life teleportation.” Hyperbole aside, beat reporters do not always take the time to write features on sixth-round rookies. Given Lewis’ short-term stipulations, it sounds as though Claiborne might be given the chance to compete for a role in the passing game this summer. Starting RB Aaron Jones is entering his age-31 season, and RB Jordan Mason, 27, is a one-dimensional rusher. The two veterans are ahead of Claiborne on the depth chart, no doubt, but this is not an elite one-two punch. Keep an eye on Claiborne this summer.

The running back takes a pay cut to a base salary of $5.5 million. This move quashes the fantasy value of Jordan Mason, who was looking like he’d head the committee in 2026 by a wide margin. Mason still may wind up leading the Vikings in carries given how often Jones gets hurt, but Jones will probably see at least half the snaps here after agreeing to stay. Jones is more of a high-end RB3 at this stage of his career, as entering his age-32 season he’s started to leave a concerning number of games with injuries and spent time on injured reserve last year.

The Vikings have a lot of cap space to create and this was always the likely move based on that calculus. Jones probably won’t attract much interest on the trade market as he enters his age-32 season and has started to leave a concerning number of games with injuries, in addition to being placed on IR for a short stint early in the 2025 season. He’d likely only have head-of-committee ceiling heading into the 2026 offseason. Schefter added that the same trade-or-release ultimatum exists for DT Javon Hargrave.

Mason functioned as the team’s lead back with Aaron Jones inactive, seeing 14 of the Vikings’ 24 running back carries. It was the second highest rushing yardage total for Mason in 2025. He mostly served as Minnesota’s No. 2 back behind Jones, seeing more than ten touches in six games. He finishes the year with 770 rushing yards and six scores, catching 14 of 16 targets for 51 yards. Mason, 26, is signed through the 2026 season and could be the team’s lead back if Aaron Jones leaves town. Still, Mason’s lack of involvement as a pass catcher will limit his fantasy upside in any scenario.

Facing defensive backups for the Packers, Jordan Mason will likely get a starter’s workload in the Minnesota backfield with Jones sidelined. JJ McCarthy, dealing with a hand injury, will start the regular season’s final game. Look for Justin Jefferson to be peppered with targets as QB-WR combo try to get on the same page ahead of an uncertain offseason for McCarthy.

Mason is in line to start this week with RB Aaron Jones (hip) having been ruled out. The Packers have already locked up a playoff spot. The Vikings are simply trying to get a better read on QB J.J. McCarthy. Mason is on the RB3/FLEX radar this week. He will likely cede passing down snaps to No. 3 RB Zavier Scott.

Jones finishes the year with a 548/2 rushing line on 132 carries, adding 28/199/1 through the air in 12 starts. Jones plays hurt often, and with Jordan Mason in tow this year, the Vikings were more proactive about sending him to IR. Jones enters his age-32 season on the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal with a $14 million cap figure. He figures to either be asked to restructure that deal or be released with the Vikings currently $36.4 million over the cap for 2026 per Over The Cap.

With RB Aaron Jones (hip) sidelined by a hip injury, Mason has a chance to start. Vikings No. 3 RB Zavier Scott would likely play in passing situations, if this is indeed, the case. Mason would be on the RB3/FLEX radar. The Vikings face the playoff-bound Packers in Week 18.

Jones has played through myriad injuries this season, so even with two absences, he still has a chance to play. That said, it would make sense for the Vikings to shut him down. Jones is 31 years old and remains under contract in 2026. His backup, RB Jordan Mason (ankle), upgraded to full participation today. He would start in Jones’ stead if the veteran player cannot go.

Aaron Jones was held out with a hip injury. Mason missed Week 17 because of his ankle injury but has a shot at returning for Week 18. He would likely split work with Zavier Scott if active. Jones would handle the carries with Scott pitching in on passing downs. Mason would be in the RB3 mix if Jones is out.