The Minnesota Vikings head into Week 14 looking to get something out of a lost season. Aaron Jones Sr. left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and did not return. Will fantasy football managers have their veteran running back available this week?
Aaron Jones Sr. Injury Update
Jones has been on the injury report for most of the season dealing with several different issues. He previously played through a shoulder injury that was diagnosed as an AC joint sprain after Week 9. The veteran has shown toughness in battling through various ailments throughout the campaign.​
Jones picked up a new shoulder injury last week against Seattle. He left the game in the third quarter after landing hard on his shoulder at the end of a short reception, fumbling on the play and heading straight to the medical tent. He was quickly listed as questionable to return but did not make it back into the contest.​
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that Jones’ injury is not believed to be serious and he is considered day-to-day. This represents another instance of Jones leaving a game with an injury, but he has already left multiple games with injuries this season and been able to play the following week.​
Jones got in a limited practice on Wednesday. Once again, he appears on track to not miss a game despite leaving the previous one with an injury. Fantasy managers should monitor Thursday’s and Friday’s practice reports, but his Wednesday participation is a strong sign for his Week 14 availability.​
Jones’ Fantasy Outlook
The matchup is very favorable against a Commanders defense allowing the seventh-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs. Washington has struggled defending the run all season. Their defensive vulnerabilities create an excellent opportunity for Jones to produce fantasy value if he suits up.​
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If Jones cannot play, Jordan Mason would serve as the RB1 with Zavier Scott operating as the change-of-pace back. Mason should handle the early-down work and goal-line carries, making him a viable RB2/flex option in deeper formats given the favorable matchup.​
Jones’ desire to play and his track record of returning quickly from in-game injuries suggests he’ll be active if the shoulder allows. His competitive nature makes it likely he’ll push to suit up if medically cleared. Those in must-win playoff situations can feel more confident starting Jones given the favorable matchup and his limited practice participation Wednesday.​
The combination of the excellent matchup against Washington’s vulnerable run defense and Jones’ limited practice Wednesday makes him a solid RB2 play for Week 14. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable inserting him into lineups as long as he avoids a setback Thursday or Friday.​
