The Minnesota Vikings got their quarterback after J.J. McCarthy missed five weeks due to an injury. They were also missing veteran RB Aaron Jones Sr. during that time, but he returned in the last game in Week 8. Now, he’s back injured as he headed to the medical tent early in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions.
What Happened to Aaron Jones Sr.?
Jones looked banged up on the sideline and was hanging with the trainers. Eventually, he headed to the medical tent to get checked out while Jordan Mason took over the backfield duties.
Jones looked good in the first half with nine carries for 78 yards and two catches for 20 yards. He will be missed if he can’t return, but Mason has been serviceable in Jones’ absences earlier in the season and could be in line for a big role again.
Aaron Jones didn’t come back in the game after that 2nd down run. He was kind of slow getting off the field and then went to talk to medical staff.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 2, 2025
Well, this isn’t exactly uncharted territory for fantasy managers. We know exactly what this backfield looks like with Jones injured. It’s the Jordan Mason show.
If Jones can’t return, expect a heavy dose of Mason, particularly on early downs. Zavier Scott operated as the passing-down back while Jones was on IR earlier this season. He could reprise that role, but he’s been limited to special teams exclusively since Jones returned.
Jones is being evaluated for a shoulder injury. The broadcast revealed that Jones was in the medical tent for 10 minutes and is questionable to return to the game. He is on the sideline with Mason handling all the duties for now.
Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) is questionable to return.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 2, 2025
Mason is the 19th-ranked running back in the league based on PFSN’s Running Back Impact metric with an impact score of 77.2. Jones doesn’t qualify for the metric because of the games he has missed so far this season. The Vikings need to capitalize on the opportunity in front of them, regardless of who is in the backfield.
They have the Lions where they want them, with a second-half lead and the defense playing well. The offense needs to keep adding points to get a huge divisional victory and reinsert itself back in contention. The NFC North is going to go down to the wire with four tough teams, and a big win today for Minnesota would do wonders.