Aaron Jones received encouraging news on Tuesday as the Minnesota Vikings activated his 21-day practice window, signaling a potential return from Injured Reserve. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the veteran running back could make his comeback as early as Thursday night against the Chargers.
This timeline aligns with expectations following Jones’ hamstring injury sustained in Week 2, which sidelined him for four games. He missed Weeks 3 through 5, and although the Vikings had a bye in Week 6, he continued to remain inactive during Week 7. Jones is now eligible to return, and the Vikings have until the end of the 21-day window to officially activate him.
Given the nature of hamstring injuries, the Vikings are likely to take a cautious approach in easing Jones back into the lineup. The organization had proactively sought to reduce his workload this offseason by trading for Jordan Mason from the 49ers, who has been helping to balance the backfield and lessen the number of touches Jones receives. In 2024, Jones recorded a career-high in touches, making this strategic shift particularly relevant.
Additionally, the emergence of Zavier Scott as a reliable pass-catching back allows for even greater flexibility moving forward, which could influence Jones’ playing time once he returns. Ultimately, the Vikings are optimistic about reintegrating Jones into their offensive scheme, and they will address the complexities of their running back rotation as they move forward. His return will be a welcomed boost as the Vikings aim for success in the upcoming weeks.