The Minnesota Vikings prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens with uncertainty surrounding their veteran running back. Aaron Jones Sr. is dealing with two injuries sustained during last week’s game against the Detroit Lions. Will fantasy football managers have their veteran running back available for this favorable matchup?
Aaron Jones Sr. Injury Update
Jones missed four games earlier this season with a hamstring strain. The veteran just returned in Week 8, making it through one full game before sustaining new injuries against the Lions.​
Multiple ailments forced an early exit from last week’s contest. According to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, Jones was evaluated for both a shoulder and a toe injury. The shoulder issue was evident when he went down, but the toe problem came as an unexpected development.​
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Jones suffered a minor AC joint sprain in his shoulder and expects to play against the Ravens. However, the Wednesday absence combined with the addition of the toe issue creates uncertainty about his status.​
Jones did not practice Wednesday, which represents the first concerning data point of the week. While the initial outlook following Sunday’s game was relatively positive, missing Wednesday’s practice after dealing with two separate injuries raises questions about his readiness.
Age becomes a significant factor at over 30 years old. When players reach this stage of their careers, their bodies will eventually betray them regardless of skill level. The accumulation of years takes its toll.
Players like Julio Jones and Michael Thomas were still talented when they were essentially finished as NFL players. Their bodies could no longer handle the rigors of professional football even before their skills declined.
The explosiveness on the field hasn’t visibly diminished. Jones still looks dynamic when given opportunities, demonstrating burst and cutting ability. But he’s been around a long time, and the mounting injuries raise questions about whether he can physically hold up anymore. The pattern of missing time, returning briefly, then getting hurt again suggests his body may be reaching its breaking point.
It’s only Wednesday, which provides some reason for optimism. Veterans routinely rest early in the week before ramping up as game day approaches. Jones can go DNP-DNP-LP and still play Sunday.
However, if he doesn’t get in at least a limited practice on Thursday, fantasy managers should expect him to miss this week’s game. The combination of two separate injuries plus a Thursday DNP would signal he’s not ready. Thursday’s practice report becomes critical for determining his actual availability.
Jones’ Fantasy Outlook
The veteran has been effective on the ground this season, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. However, it hasn’t translated to fantasy production. Jones is averaging just 8.7 fantasy points per game through his limited action.
Two early exits from games due to injury and a horrible performance against the Chargers are largely to blame for the underwhelming fantasy numbers. When healthy for full games, the production has been solid. The problem is staying healthy enough to accumulate meaningful volume.
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This represents a great spot against a Ravens defense allowing the fifth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs. Baltimore has struggled defending the run all season, making them an ideal opponent for Minnesota’s ground game.
If Jones can’t go, Jordan Mason will step into the lead back role and become a strong RB2 in this favorable matchup. Mason has shown competence when given opportunities and would see the volume necessary to produce against Baltimore’s vulnerable run defense.
Fantasy managers need to monitor Thursday’s practice report closely. Jones’ participation level will determine whether he’s trending toward playing or sitting. Even limited participation Thursday would suggest he’s on track to suit up, while another DNP would all but confirm his absence.
The age factor and mounting injuries make Jones a risky fantasy proposition even when active. Fantasy managers may need to start considering more reliable options if the injury concerns continue piling up.
