Vikings Announce RB Move After Aaron Jones News

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Vikings Announce RB Move After Aaron Jones News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 31, 2026 6:43 PM ET

Now in his 10th NFL season, 31-year-old veteran running back Aaron Jones has continued to provide value in the backfield.

Jones is in his third year as a member of the Vikings and before the year started he was expected to be more of a receiving back behind Jordan Mason and to take carries as necessary. However, Mason broke his thumb in the very first week of the season and Jones took over as the featured back for four games in his absence.

Through six games, Jones has rushed the ball 105 times for 436 yards, while adding 13 receptions for 72 more yards. He has scored two touchdowns on the season.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33)Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

During Minnesota’s Week 7 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Jones did suffer a left knee injury in the fourth quarter.

He had been playing through a preexisting sprain since Week 2, but after a hit from Colts safety A.J. Haulcy, he was struggling to put pressure on his left leg. He went to the medical tent and did not return to the game.

Fortunately, after the game, the issue did not seem nearly as serious. Jones did miss practice on Wednesday but returned on Friday. The Vikings then released their injury report and he carried no designation for Sunday’s Week 8 game against the Detroit Lions.

Still, the Vikings are going to be cautious with Jones, and as a result they announced a move on Saturday. “The #Vikings have elevated RB DeeJay Dallas to the active roster for tomorrow’s game,” the team wrote on X.

The #Vikings have elevated RB DeeJay Dallas to the active roster for tomorrow’s game. pic.twitter.com/E9slwhL0FJ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 31, 2026

When Jones went down, the Vikings turned to Dallas to handle some of the running back workload and to give Mason a breather.

Even though Jones is suiting up, they may want to be cautious with him given his age and injury history, so it makes sense to elevate Dallas as insurance. Dallas can also return kicks and punts, so his role is important for special teams as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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