Vikings ground attack should get stronger after bye week

The Minnesota Vikings have been searching for a consistent offensive game to complement the defense and the special teams that have led them to a 5-0 start and a spot at the top of the NFC North.

Prior to their 23-13 triumph at New Orleans in Week 5, the offense had been largely dormant this season. QB Kyler Murray suffered a concussion in Week 1, Justin Jefferson went down with a sprained ankle in Week 3 and running back Aaron Jones was left to carry the offense.

His partner in crime, fellow running back Jordan Mason, has been out with a broken thumb. Mason suffered the injury in the season opener, underwent surgery and has been out since. However, the running back is expected back in action when the Vikings return from their bye in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the situation Wednesday. The head coach appeared quite relieved that Jones will not have to carry the load by himself much longer.

“I’m excited about what’s coming for us offensively. I’ve kind of envisioned it being like that from the beginning of the season, and we’ve been able to win football games as we progress,” O’Connell said. “Ultimately, to maximize who we want to be as a team, where our offense is going is going to be a big part of that, and Jordan Mason is going to be a big part of that as we get him back coming off the bye.”

Jones is coming off two solid performances. He rushed for 94 yards in the Week 4 win over the Dolphins, and he followed that up with a 113-yard effort against the Saints. In addition to that total, he scored the winning touchdown in that game, running eight yards up the middle and bowling over the attempted tackler at the goal line.

Jones has rushed for 410 yards and a pair of touchdowns. O’Connell knows that having a fresh pair of running backs is the key to taking pressure off Murray and his ability to run the Vikings offense.