Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
When the Minnesota Vikings brought in Cam Akers, it was in response to the hip injury that had knocked Aaron Jones out of the contest against the New York Jets. Jones never missed time, as there was a bye week following the London game, but it’s clear he continues to be banged up.
Last week, a chest injury sent Jones to the medical tent and ultimately on a brief ride to the locker room in search of x-rays. Over the course of his career, the only thing that has ever truly slowed Jones down has been injury. He has remained remarkably healthy for Minnesota thus far, but we are only now crossing the halfway threshold.
On Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, there was always a considerable challenge ahead of Aaron Jones. Jeffery Simmons and the opposing defensive front are stout against the run. They weren’t going to let Minnesota walk all over them, and head coach Kevin O’Connell knew that.
The Vikings also made a move at right tackle. Rather than continue to start the struggling Ed Ingram, they inserted veteran guard Dalton Risner at the position. He leaves plenty to be desired when it comes to run blocking but is an adept asset when the quarterback drops back. That all signified a willingness to throw the ball on Sunday, and that’s exactly what took place.
Minnesota handed the ball to Jones 15 times, but he turned those opportunities into just 39 yards. His 2.6 yards per carry weren’t outdone by backup Cam Akers either. The change-of-pace option totaled just 25 yards on 10 carries. To say that the Vikings found it difficult to move the rock on the ground would be putting it lightly.
It did seem like Jones was a bit out of sorts and playing through some pain, however. Akers took over for longer stretches than normal, and Minnesota threw to Jones just one time on the afternoon. His four-yard gain through the air brought his total yardage to only 43.
The Vikings need to remain somewhat balanced offensively, and that requires getting the most out of Jones. He must continue treatment to remain available and in the best of health. This weekend he’ll face a Chicago Bears defense that allowed Josh Jacobs to run for 76 yards on 18 carries. It would be great to see Jones put up a gaudy statline but also look fresh while doing so.
Minnesota needs their top running back to remain available the rest of the way. That’s been a problem throughout his career, and no one wants to see it replicated again.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.