The Minnesota Vikings have found themselves in a surprisingly favorable situation regarding their running back depth, despite the absence of Aaron Jones. Jordan Mason, acquired in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, has stepped up significantly in his first season with the team. He has quickly established himself as a reliable workhorse in the backfield since Jones’ injury.
In addition to Mason, Zavier Scott has emerged as a formidable third-down back and a valuable receiving option for the Vikings. Despite his unconventional path to the NFL, Scott has proven to be an effective complement in the running game, utilizing his speed and agility on plays designed to exploit mismatches against linebackers in coverage.
As the Vikings prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, the dynamic of their backfield has showcased a successful two-man strategy. Mason’s ability to handle the bulk of carries coupled with Scott’s skills as a change-of-pace back has provided the Vikings with the depth they need during Jones’s absence.
There’s ongoing speculation regarding Aaron Jones’ potential return, with some anticipating that he might be back in action for the Thursday Night Football game in Week 8. While there hasn’t been definitive reporting confirming this, he is eligible to come off Injured Reserve soon. It’s plausible that the Vikings may prefer a cautious approach with Jones, allowing him to regain his strength with a minimized workload upon his return. If he plays this Thursday, it would set him up for a mini-bye before subsequent games, potentially enhancing his recovery.
When Jones does rejoin the lineup, the Vikings will likely use a committee approach, with Jones splitting carries with Mason while Scott’s role may be reduced significantly. This strategy could keep all three running backs fresh and versatile as the season continues.
This unexpected depth at running back reflects well on the Vikings’ ability to adapt and generate successful strategies through varying circumstances, marking a positive outlook for their offensive capabilities moving forward in the season.