Vikings Facing Aaron Jones Decision After RB Move

Mason suffered a fractured thumb in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers and was placed on IR a few days later. Jones has recorded more than 20 touches in each of the four games since Mason’s injury, and recorded 113 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Saints.

At 31 years old, Jones has provided the Vikings with steady performances despite handling more responsibility than Minnesota originally expected. The former Pro Bowler has recorded 109 touches for 482 total yards and two touchdowns in his third season in Minnesota.

Now, according to Kevin Seifert, the Vikings have designated Mason to return from injured reserve, and he is expected to practice Wednesday. With Mason nearing a return, Minnesota will have to decide whether Jones has done enough to keep the lead-back role or if the offense should return to the split backfield it initially planned to use.

There is optimism that Mason could play this week against the Colts, which would give the Vikings another backfield option.

Before Mason’s injury in Week 1, the team used both backs almost evenly. Mason actually led the team with 15 carries, while Jones had 12.

Mason’s impending return has given the Vikings the option to return to the committee approach they initially envisioned, but Jones’ strong production may have earned him a larger role going forward.