Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is reportedly expected to play in Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Thursday Night Football on Prime Video color commentator Kirk Herbstreit (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport) said Jones will likely be activated from injured reserve and in uniform for Thursday’s game.
Jones had missed the Vikings’ past four games due to a hamstring injury, but the team opened his 21-day practice window this week, and he was listed as questionable on the final injury report after practicing Tuesday and Wednesday in a limited fashion.
The 30-year-old Jones started Minnesota’s first two games of the season, rushing for 46 yards on 13 carries and catching three passes for 44 yards and one touchdown.
This is Jones’ second season with the Vikings, as he contracts with the organization each of the past two offseasons following a seven-year run with the Green Bay Packers.
Jones was a one-time Pro Bowler during his time in Green Bay, and he reached the 1,000-yard rushing threshold three times over the course of his tenure.
His debut season in Minnesota was a highly productive one, as Jones started all 17 games and rushed for a career-high 1,138 yards. He also scored five touchdowns on the ground and caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two additional scores.
This past offseason, the Vikings re-signed Jones and also signed former San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason, creating a potentially formidable one-two punch in the backfield.
Mason, who started six of the 12 games he appeared in and rushed for a career-high 789 yards last season, filled in as Minnesota’s starter for the past four games with Jones out.
Overall, Mason has rushed for 380 yards and a career-high four touchdowns this season to go along with nine receptions for 34 yards.
It is unclear if Mason will continue to start with Jones back in the fold or how the work will be split, but head coach Kevin O’Connell should be able to make it work since they have complementary skill sets.
Mason is more of a first- and second-down guy who thrives in short-yardage situations, while Jones is a more versatile player who is often best on third downs and catching passes out of the backfield.
On Thursday, the 3-3 Vikings have a tough road matchup on their hands against the 4-3 Chargers, but having their full allotment of weapons at running back should make their offense far more difficult to defend.
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