Aaron Jones, the Vikings’ electric running back, had to make an early exit on Sunday after a solid 17-yard gain in the fourth quarter. It wasn’t just a bump though, coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed after the game that Jones re-aggravated a knee injury that first showed up way back in Week 2 against the Bears. Now, the big question hanging over the 6-0 Vikings is just how bad this is.
Deja Vu All Over Again for Jones’ Knee?
This isn’t Jones’ first rodeo with this knee issue. After that initial Week 2 game against the Bears, he didn’t even practice the following Wednesday. But, credit where it’s due, he bounced back quickly, hitting the field again the next day and didn’t miss a beat for the Week 3 game. Now, though, it feels different. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Jones is set to have an MRI on Monday. The silver lining, at least right now, is that the team is hoping this won’t turn into a long-term absence for their star back.
Running Back Urgency Hits High Gear
Even before this latest setback, the Vikings were apparently already eyeing the running back market. With the trade deadline a mere 16 days away, there’s been chatter about them wanting to add to their backfield. If Jones is indeed going to miss any time, even a short stint, that urgency to make a move in the trade market is only going to crank up. The one bit of genuinely good news for the Vikings on Sunday was the return of Jordan Mason. Mason was back in action after sitting out four games with a Week 1 thumb injury, and he didn’t waste any time, racking up 15 carries for 68 yards.
The Vikings are sitting pretty at 6-0, but their schedule is about to get brutal. They’ve got the Lions up next in Detroit, then the Bills at home on Monday night, followed by a trip to Lambeau Field to face the Packers, and then they’re off to Mexico City to play the 49ers. Talk about a gauntlet. This team needs Jones, or a solid plan B, if they want to keep that undefeated streak going.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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