Vikings Plot Twist Makes Pivotal W8 Game a Touch More Fascinating
The Vikings are … getting healthier?
Lately, there has been quite a bit of chatter about the opposite. Losing several starters — many of them key players — can do that. The good news is that things are trending in a more optimistic direction for Aaron Jones. ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered the word: “Vikings RB Aaron Jones, who has missed the last four games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to return tonight to play against the Chargers.”
Vikings Plot Twist for Aaron Jones
In fairness, VT’s Dustin Baker was on this one.
The Vikings writer wrote earlier in the week: “A source told VikingsTerritory late last week that Jones was ready to return, and in fact, if not for the mandated IR trip, could’ve played against Eagles.” In the end, Baker’s source was proven correct. Minnesota’s RB1 is about to be grafted back into the game plan.
In Aaron Jones, the Vikings are getting a team captain back into the mix who does a bit of everything.
Most notably, there’s Jones’s ability to do damage as a pass catcher. He can thrive in this area of the game in a manner that Jordan Mason — a talented, rugged runner — doesn’t. Just journey back to Week 1 to see his fantastic touchdown for an example of what he’s capable of doing.
Go ahead and re-watch the clip. Watch what Mr. Jones does once he’s about two or three yards past the line of scrimmage. See that?
There’s a quick stutter step before turning on the jets. Doing so prompts the defender to step forward in anticipation of a short route. Jones, meanwhile, is only slowing down for a brief moment before wheeling up the field toward the corner of the end zone. J.J. McCarthy’s pass is underthrown but Jones wins the route so cleanly that it doesn’t matter.
Kevin Seifert commented on Jones coming back: “Jones participated in this week’s walk-through, and Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism in the sense that Jones, as a veteran who knows how to prepare, would be able to play without having an actual practice. Vikings would need to formally add him to their 53 today.”
A couple takeaways.
First, Jones coming back is different from McCarthy insofar as the runner is an established veteran. No need to rebuild his technique and fundamentals in the same manner as the 22-year-old passer. Once healthy, Jones can go. Second, there’s the point about re-adding Jones to the 53. Getting Jones back is excellent news for the Vikings, but someone needs to get cut. Who is it going to be?
Jones, 30, has 13 carries for 46 yards so far in 2025. Note, as well, the 3 catches for 44 yards and 1 touchdown. He’s a strong pass blocker, which may end up being needed given the injuries up front.
Operating on a two-year deal for $20 million, Aaron Jones will be looking to help push his Vikings up to a 4-3 record. Getting him back helps to restore wholeness to the original vision for Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Kickoff is scheduled for tonight at 7:15 p.m. CT.
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