After posting career-high rushing numbers in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Aaron Jones Sr. got 2025 off to a strong start, finding the end zone in Week 1’s victory over the Chicago Bears.
But the momentum came to a halt in Week 2, when Jones was forced to leave the loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a hamstring injury. He has remained sidelined ever since. So, here’s the latest on his recovery and whether he’ll be ready for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
What Is Aaron Jones Sr.’s Status for Week 7?
Jones looked sharp in Minnesota’s season opener against the Bears, totaling 23 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown. He appeared set to be a key weapon again in Week 2, but a hamstring injury in the second quarter against the Falcons forced him out of the game.
Hamstring injuries, even minor strains, are not something to rush, especially for a 30-year-old running back like Jones with a history of muscle issues. As a result, the Vikings decided to give him proper time to heal by placing him on injured reserve on September 17.
Jones has now missed three games and must sit out one additional contest before becoming eligible to return. NFL injured reserve regulations require players to miss four full games rather than four calendar weeks, meaning the Vikings’ Week 6 bye does not count toward his mandatory absence.​
This will be the final week Jones is required to miss, as he becomes eligible to return in Week 8 when Minnesota travels to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. Reports suggest Jones is targeting this return date and appears on track to be activated when first eligible.​
The extended absence has allowed Jones over a month to fully address the hamstring issue. Minnesota’s conservative rehabilitation approach is consistent with the organization’s handling of his injury history, which includes recurring hamstring problems, MCL injuries, knee sprains, and calf strains.
Before his injury, Jones had rushed for 46 yards on 13 attempts through two games. His receiving work has been more productive, with three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown, including a 27-yard scoring grab in Week 1.
In his absence, Jordan Mason has stepped up effectively, carrying 69 times for 323 yards and three touchdowns, ranking 12th in PFSN’s RB Impact metric. Given Mason’s strong performance, the Vikings have little reason to rush Jones back, allowing the team to continue prioritizing a full recovery for their star running back.
