The Vikings are now halfway through their injury activations for the regular season. The fourth is being used on a quick activation. Aaron Jones is back on Minnesota’s active roster two days after being designated for return.
This certainly reveals the team’s confidence in its highest-paid running back, who will come off IR in time for tonight’s Vikings-Chargers matchup. The Vikings waived linebacker Kobe King to clear roster space. They are also making guard Henry Byrd a gameday elevation.
Minnesota used two of its injury activations this summer, taking advantage of the NFL’s 2024 rule change that allows for up to two IR-return slots to be used to preserve roster spots on cutdown day. Those went to fullback C.J. Ham and linebacker Tyler Batty. The team also activated linebacker Blake Cashman off IR. Jones, though, profiles as the most significant of Minnesota’s early-season IR-return moves.
Thursday’s move marks the second time Jones, who is coming off a hamstring injury sustained in Week 2, has been activated from IR. The Packers did so in 2023 and proceeded to watch him finish the season with five straight 100-yard rushing efforts. Jones is now 30, and trade pickup Jordan Mason has been the Vikings’ lead back this season. It will be interesting to see how Minnesota reintegrates Jones, who delivered a strong season in his Twin Cities debut.
On a one-year, $7MM deal in 2024, Jones posted a career-high 1,138 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns on the ground. The Vikings gave him a two-year, $20MM contract to re-sign, though they traded for Mason days later. Mason has played well in Jones’ absence, totaling 380 yards (4.5 per tote) and four rushing TDs. The duo will work in tandem again beginning tonight in Los Angeles, which will feature another Carson Wentz start. The team has still deemed J.J. McCarthy unready to return from a Week 2 high ankle sprain.
Only a one-time Pro Bowler despite having four 1,000-yard seasons on his resume and remaining a productive starting back into his early 30s, Jones has a chance to reestablish the momentum he did in Year 1 with Kevin O’Connell. A strong second half would give the ninth-year veteran a chance to stick in Minnesota for a third year.
The Vikings will see $2MM of Jones’ $9MM 2026 base salary become guaranteed on Day 3 of the ’26 league year. Jones may not be able to afford another injury absence, as that $9MM number — coupled with Mason’s more affordable deal and far lower mileage — makes the vet a cut candidate. For now, Jones will attempt to play a key role in the Vikings booking their third O’Connell-era playoff berth.