Aaron

Jones

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.

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.

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.

Jones played through an ankle injury last week despite the Vikings having nothing left to play for. He could do so again in Week 18, though it’s just as likely that he finally takes a week off. In addition to the ankle and hip injuries, Jones has been on the practice report with shoulder, toe, and hamstring issues this year. He has more than earned a week of rest to close the season. If that does happen, Jordan Mason would be in line for a larger role.

Jones plunged in from a yard out to give the Vikings a 7-0 lead near the end of the first quarter. He was clearly the top option in the Minnesota offense, with Ty Chandler chiming in for 24 yards on his seven carries and Jordan Mason unavailable due to injury. Jones should be considered an RB2 for the finale against the Packers in Week 18.

With Jordan Mason ruled out, Jones will have the Minnesota backfield all to himself this week. Despite suffering the ankle issue early in Week 16, Jones racked up 21 carries plus a pair of catches versus the Giants. If that workload holds, it would be hard to bet against Jones as an RB2 for the final week of the fantasy football season.

He appears on track to start and play the main role on Thursday against the Lions, perhaps with Ty Chandler backing him up as it seems Jordan Mason won’t be able to make it active. Jones will probably be more of an RB3 with Max Brosmer under center against the Lions.

With Jordan Mason (ankle) listed as a DNP to start the week, the Vikings will hope Jones can get on the field for Week 17 against the Lions. Jones rushed 21 times for 85 scoreless yards in Week 16’s win over the Giants, and added another two catches for eight yards. Jones would profile as a fringe RB2/RB3 if he can go this week.

Both Jones and Jordan Mason left this game early with ankle injuries. Jones returned after missing a few plays. Mason’s injury sidelined him for the remainder of the game. Jones was clearly hobbled by the issue throughout the contest, but he gutted through it and dominated the backfield touches, out-carrying Zavier Scott 21-2. While the Vikings’ offense is going nowhere fast, Jones should have an elite role if he can continue to play through the ankle injury. Assuming Mason is out and Jones is in, the latter will push for an RB2 rank in Week 17 against the Lions.

Jones left in the first quarter with an ankle issue and was listed as questionable. Jordan Mason also suffered an ankle injury and was taken to the locker room on a cart. Assuming he remains out, Jones and Zavier Scott will split the backfield for the remainder of the game.