Minnesota

Vikings

Jones departed the team’s Week 7 win over the Colts after aggravating an existing knee issue. He was held out of practice Wednesday before retaking the practice field on consecutive days to end the week, ultimately deemed healthy enough to play against the division rival Lions in Week 8. Fantasy managers are likely best off finding a suitable alternative considering Jones is struggling through a sprained MCL and the team got Jordan Mason back a week ago, although managers in a bind can safely expect him to be on the field come Sunday.

Jones was forced from the team’s Week 7 win over the Colts due to an aggravation of an existing knee injury. The fact he was able to return to the practice field in any capacity after missing Wednesday’s session is good news for his potential availability against the Lions. We would expect him to form a loose committee with Jordan Mason, if active Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to confirm his level of participation Friday.

Jones has reportedly been playing through a sprained MCL in one knee since Week 2. He seemingly aggravated it in Week 7 and left the game early in the fourth quarter. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jones is considered “day-to-day.” Jones could once again play through the issue this week against the Lions. Stay tuned.

Minnesota’s offensive ineptitude has reached stunning levels in recent weeks, including last Sunday against the Colts, when Murray had 150 yards and a touchdown while completing 58 percent of his pass attempts. “We’ll continue to get better,” Murray said Sunday night. “I know we will. I know we keep saying that, but I felt like we moved the ball well (against the Colts). We’ve just got to put the ball in the end zone.” The Vikings, who rank 25th in pass rate over expected this season, have operated conservatively on offense while their defense dismantles opponents week in and week out. As Lewis pointed out, the 2026 Vikings are the first team in a century to win five straight games with five or fewer TDs over that span. Murray through Week 7 ranks 28th out of 40 qualifying QBs in EPA per pass attempt and 33rd in fantasy points per drop back.

Jones’ status will be one to watch this week as the Vikings prepare for their Week 8 matchup against the Lions. While the team calling him day-to-day is encouraging, Jones was already dealing with a knee injury entering Week 7, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings opted to sit him this week to give him some additional time to recover. Jordan Mason, who rushed 15 times for 68 yards in Sunday’s win over the Colts could be in line for a busy day against the Lions if Jones is unable to go.

Hockenson operated as the Vikings’ No. 2 pass-catcher on the day, seeing a lot of Kyler Murray’s targets in the flats. He caught a five-yard touchdown in the second half and finished with 35 receiving yards. Two of his targets came in the end zone, giving him a solid floor as a red zone receiver. Hockenson’s red zone usage is a good sign for his fantasy value; he is in the low-end TE1 range for Week 8 against the Lions.

Jennings caught a 20-yard pass, his longest reception of the season. He was targeted three times, nearly catching a long touchdown from Kyler Murray in the second quarter, but failing to haul it in. Jennings is outside of the top-three pass-catching options for the Vikings and is irrelevant for fantasy purposes in this role. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on him in case he is traded, but Jennings does not need to be in fantasy lineups heading in to Week 8.

Addison also got a carry for three rushing yards. His usage involved designed touches in the shallow area, with the Vikings trying to get him out into space. His utilization dropped in the second half and he did not see many looks downfield. Addison is the clear No. 3 pass-catching option in the Vikings offense, a role that warrants WR4 consideration for Week 8 against the Lions.

Jefferson led the Vikings in targets and yards on a low-volume day for the passing game. He hit a career milestone, crossing 600 career catches with a four-catch day. The Vikings’ offense continues to post low-efficiency outings as the defense lifts the team to an undefeated record. Jefferson is still the No. 1 wide receiver but banks on high volume usage and touchdowns to be a fantasy WR1. A lack of touchdown opportunities and red zone usage will be an issue in the Vikings offense, but Jefferson has a soft matchup against the Lions for Week 8. He should be back in the WR1 rankings next week.

Jones got the start in the Vikings backfield, ripping off four straight carries for nine yards on Minnesota’s first possession. Outside of the opening possession, Jones took a backseat to Jordan Mason, seeing a mix of passing-down snaps and short-yardage carries. He caught his only target in the red zone but had it punched out for a fumble out of bounds. Jones left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury; he had been playing through an MCL injury and may have aggravated the issue. Prior to the injury, Jones was getting out-snapped by Mason and ends with 15 snaps to Mason’s 38, while getting six fewer touches. Jones is a low-end fantasy RB2 if healthy for Week 8.