Aaron Jones hit the Vikings practice field on Thursday, taking a critical step forward after aggravating a knee injury last Sunday. But don’t pop the champagne just yet, folks. He was a limited participant, and that knee is clearly still a factor as the team preps for a big NFC North showdown. This isn’t just some regular practice return, it sets the tone for everything.
That Knee Just Won’t Quit
Jones sat out Wednesday’s practice completely, a red flag after his knee flared up during the win against the Colts. Getting him back on the field Thursday, even in a limited capacity, is a positive sign, sure. But “limited” means he’s not 100%, and for a running back like Jones, every ounce of power and burst matters. You have to wonder how much that knee is going to let him go come game time. It’s early in the season, and you don’t want nagging injuries becoming season-long sagas.
Other Key Players Moving In The Right Direction (Mostly)
It wasn’t all about Jones’ knee, though. Some other major pieces are rounding into form, which is huge for team depth. Right tackle Brian O’Neill, who was also battling a knee issue, went from limited to full participation in practice. That’s a massive boost for the offensive line. Guard Joe Huber, another knee guy, also upgraded from not participating at all to a full practice. That’s the kind of news you love to hear. On the flip side, tight end Gavin Bartholomew was added to the injury report after missing practice with an ankle issue. So, while some guys are stepping up, you always have a new name pop up, right?
The Vikings are getting ready for an NFC North matchup against the Lions, and every single one of these injury updates matters. Friday’s practice and the final injury reports are going to be absolutely crucial. Keep an eye on Jones’ status, because how he feels will dictate a lot about the game plan. You know the Lions are watching, too.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply