Aaron Jones update is good news for Vikings' sputtering rushing attack 

Running the ball could soon become much easier for the Minnesota Vikings. 

On Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed they're taking star running back Aaron Jones off injured reserve and opening his 21-day practice window. 

When will Aaron Jones return? 

Jones hasn't played since suffering a hamstring injury during a Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the four-game hiatus, O'Connell hinted the RB could play against the Los Angeles Chargers on "Thursday Night Football." 

"He's a guy that you don't really need to get out there and test too much, cause you know, in his rehab and the work he has done on the side fields. He's a veteran player, he knows what he has to do," O'Connell said, per Tony Liebert of Minnesota Vikings on SI. "He knows what needs to feel like. We'll be smart with Aaron, but at the same time, we know he's here for a reason, and we know what he can bring to our offense." 

How Aaron Jones' impending return benefits Vikings

Jones returning to the lineup as soon as possible would be ideal for the Vikings. This offseason, they acquired RB Jordan Mason in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to complement the former Green Bay Packers star. Since then, he has struggled as Minnesota's lead back. 

Through six games, Mason has rushed for four touchdowns but is tied for 20th in the league in rushing yards (380 on 84 carries) and ranks 93rd in yards per carry (4.5). The Vikings' ground attack, as a whole, has suffered, ranking 20th in the league in rushing yards (103.8).

The ineffective ground attack has compounded Minnesota's offensive problems. Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz, filling in for an injured J.J. McCarthy (ankle), has a 2-2 starting record and has posted a below-average 42.5 QBR. 

Last season, one-time Pro Bowler Jones rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards in 17 games. However, he had just 46 rushing yards on 13 carries before suffering his injury. 

If Jones can regain traction when he returns, that would give Minnesota a needed spark. The Vikings (3-3) fell to last in the NFC North after a 28-22 Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2).