Minnesota

Vikings

Mason is firmly on track to play in Week 7 against the Colts. He should tentatively be expected to lead the backfield in carries right away, with Aaron Jones potentially settling into a 1B role. The Colts’ defense is not an imposing unit, so both running backs are FLEX-viable this week.

This is just a maintenance day for the Vikings’ No. 1 wide receiver. Jefferson has an excellent matchup this week against the struggling Colts’ defense. The unit will likely be without No. 1 CB Sauce Gardner (calf), further enhancing Jefferson’s WR1 outlook for Week 7.

Addison, well-rested coming off his team’s Week 6 bye, is ready to go. The Colts’ defense has played poorly, and they will likely be without top CB Sauce Gardner (calf). Addison can be a volatile producer at times, but he warrants WR3/FLEX treatment this week.

Darrisaw suffered a concussion in Week 4 against the Dolphins and was unable to play in Week 5 against the Saints. The Vikings were on bye in Week 6, giving him more than two weeks to get ready for Week 7. Vikings RT Brian O’Neill (knee) was limited.

Hockenson was ruled out in Week 5 against the Saints after suffering a concussion. The Vikings were on bye in Week 6. The extended absence gives Hockenson decent odds of practicing in full this week, and we expect that to be the case. An update will be provided if he is limited today. Hockenson developed a strong connection with Kyler Murray in Week 4, and warrants TE1 treatment in Week 7 against the Colts.

His 21-day practice window will open; most of the reporting is that the Vikings expect him to play in Week 7. Assuming that’s the case, we expect to see him hit the ground running on the Wednesday practice report with at least a limited session and perhaps a full.

Lewis connects the Vikings to Chargers backs Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal as well as Tennessee’s Tony Pollard, Tampa Bay’s Kenneth Gainwell, and Arizona’s Tyler Allgeier. These are just whispers at the moment, but any kind of costly trade acquisition would cut into the playing time and fantasy value of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones. The Vikings have clearly already been shuffling depth pieces around so we believe there could be more urgency there as the trade deadline gets closer.

Late last week, Fowler’s colleague, Kevin Seifert, reported that Mason is expected to return in Week 7 as well. Add him if he is available. Mason is not involved much as a receiver, but his expected rushing workload makes him a reliable FLEX with RB2 upside.

Jennings has been a major disappointment in Minnesota, falling behind Tai Felton on the depth chart. A small stakes trade could make sense for the 49ers, who are down to hoping Brandin Cooks can provide for Brock Purdy in a major rash of injuries.

Estime’s signing comes as Quinshon Judkins is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 5. Estime, who is only 23 years old, already feels like an NFL journeyman as he now heads to his fifth team in three seasons after brief stints with the Broncos, Eagles, Saints, and Vikings. The former fifth-round pick has rushed for 508 yards and three touchdowns in his career and rushed for 76-310-2 as a rookie with the Broncos. Estime could see snaps in Week 6 against the Ravens if Judkins is unable to play, but we wouldn’t expect to see anything close to a meaningful workload at this time.