Aaron Jones Sr.
Running Back #33
Aaron Jones Sr. News
Aaron Jones Sr.'s Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
After topping 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. struggled through a down year in 2025. The 31-year-old missed five games due to injury and finished the year with just 747 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 160 touches. While Jones Sr. was still Minnesota's nominal starter in the games he was healthy for, the team largely split carries between him and Jordan Mason. At this point in their respective careers, Mason profiles as a more reliable short-yardage back, which could leave Jones Sr. limited to third-down and pass-catching duties. Jones Sr.'s production should benefit from the Vikings' offense having more overall stability in 2026 after the signing of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Still, Jones Sr.'s dynasty value is firmly trending in the wrong direction, given his age and the split backfield in Minnesota.
Apr 17, 2026 12:59 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Set for Familiar Role in 2026?
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. could find himself in a familiar role next season. The Vikings re-signed Jones to share the backfield with Jordan Mason, creating a similar dynamic to last year. The 31-year-old was a low-end RB2 when healthy, but he missed five full games due to injury and exited others early. As a result, he finished the regular season with a modest 548 rushing yards, 199 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. The Vikings have gradually gotten Mason more involved, while Jones' age and injuries have resulted in him handling fewer touches. He's still going to get rushing yards, receiving yards, and touchdowns -- just not nearly as much as during the peak of his career. The good news for Jones is that his return indicates it should just be him and Mason in the backfield, and the Vikings won't make any splashes at the running back position in free agency or the draft. Still, Jones' days as an every-down back and fantasy RB1 are over. He's falling to the RB3/flex tier for 2026.
Mar 28, 2026 9:06 AM EST
Vikings Bringing Aaron Jones Sr. Back
The Minnesota Vikings and running back Aaron Jones Sr. agreed to a revised contract on Wednesday to keep him in town for the 2026 season, sources told the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Jones will lower his base salary to $5.5 million to stay with the Vikings for one more season. Minnesota was getting ready to release the 31-year-old veteran at the start of the new league year before this contract restructure. Jones battled injuries throughout the 2025 season and was limited to 12 games, finishing with 132 carries (his lowest total since his rookie season in 2017 with the Green Bay Packers) for 548 yards and two touchdowns. He added 28 catches for 199 yards and another TD on 41 targets. Jones should be able to bounce back with better health in 2026, but the Vikings might also prefer to give backfield mate Jordan Mason a bigger workload in an effort to keep Jones healthy. There's also the possibility of the Vikes adding to the RB room via the NFL draft in April.
Mar 11, 2026 11:00 AM EST
Vikings Planning to Release Aaron Jones Sr.?
The Minnesota Vikings informed running back Aaron Jones Sr. that, barring a trade, they will release him at the start of the new league year this month, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jones' release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the 2026 salary cap. The 31-year-old veteran was scheduled to make $9 million in base salary this year. In his second year in Minnesota in 2025, Jones was limited to 12 games due to injuries and ran for just 548 yards and two touchdowns on 132 carries. He added 28 receptions for 199 yards and another touchdown on 41 targets through the air. If Jones is traded or cut, Jordan Mason would be in line for RB1 duties, barring any additional offseason additions via free agency or the NFL draft. Jones' days as an RB1 could very well be over, but he should attract interest on either the free-agent or trade market as a versatile veteran back.
Mar 1, 2026 7:00 AM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. May No Longer Be a Lead Back Entering 2026
In his first season with the team in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. recorded over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and played 17 games, earning himself a second contract. However, Jones Sr. struggled through injuries and a production decline in 2025, logging just 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 160 touches across 12 games played. Even when Jones Sr. was healthy, Minnesota split backfield work between him and Jordan Mason, limiting the production upside for both players. If Jones Sr. is back with the Vikings in 2026, he figures to work in a timeshare with Mason once again. Minnesota could also save $8 million against the cap by releasing Jones Sr., so the veteran running back may find himself in a new home come September. Regardless of where Jones Sr. is playing in 2026, his days as a true lead back for an NFL team may be coming to an end as he hits his age-32 season.
Feb 6, 2026 10:42 AM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Won't Play in Week 18
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) has officially been ruled out for Week 18's regular-season finale against the Green Bay Packers, according to Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Jones was a non-participant every day in practice this week and will end up missing his fifth game of the season after spending time on Injured Reserve earlier in the year with a hamstring injury. The 31-year-old recorded 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 28 catches (41 targets) for 199 yards and one score as a receiver in 12 games. Backfield mate Jordan Mason (ankle) was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday after missing last week's game against the Lions. Mason figures to handle the bulk of the carries for Minnesota's final regular-season game against the Packers, profiling as a borderline RB1.
Jan 2, 2026 5:08 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Held Out of Wednesday's Practice
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury. Meanwhile, fellow RB Jordan Mason (ankle) returned to a limited session after missing the Week 17 Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions. With Mason injured the last two weeks, Jones has handled 44 touches for 156 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. But now the 31-year-old is dealing with an injury of his own, putting his status up in the air for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packers. With Mason trending towards a return to close out the year, Jones figures to be spelled more often by Mason if both RBs are active this weekend. In the first meeting with Green Bay back on Nov. 23, Jones carried the ball nine times for 41 yards and caught three passes for 16 yards.
Dec 31, 2025 7:15 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Scores TD In Win Against Lions
The Minnesota Vikings' hampered offense looked helpless for much of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions, but running back Aaron Jones Sr. was still able to scratch out a solid fantasy day with 53 yards rushing, three catches for 10 yards, and a touchdown in a Vikings win. Playing on a short week, Minnesota was missing its top two quarterbacks, three starting offensive linemen, its starting tight end, and Jones' fellow running back, Jordan Mason (ankle). The Vikings naturally leaned on Jones, who needed 18 carries to gain 53 yards as the Lions loaded the box and put pressure on Brosmer. The Vikings gained a miserable three net passing yards, but the combination of defense and a pair of rushing touchdowns was just enough. Jones has been a reliable fantasy back this year, but he'll need some good news on the injury front as the Vikings prepare for a Week 18 game against Green Bay.
Dec 26, 2025 10:32 AM EST
Injuries Dampen Week 17 Outlook For Aaron Jones Sr.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) has been a reliable, if unremarkable, fantasy option this year, but he finds himself in RB3 territory as Minnesota prepares to host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. Due to injuries to starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) and backup Carson Wentz (shoulder), the Vikings are down to third-stringer Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie. Already without left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), the Vikings also ruled out center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), while right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) is questionable. Jones figures to get most of the running back work with fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) injured, but the Vikings' offense is a shell of what it was even two weeks ago. Detroit ranks 12th against half-PPR running backs, and the Lions surely will be keying on the run in an effort to put pressure on Brosmer. Managers will have to weigh whether Jones dominating the backfield is worth the risk of relying upon an offense counting on so many reserves.
Dec 24, 2025 3:36 PM EST
Vikings Estimate Aaron Jones Sr. as Limited Participant on Monday
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice report. The Vikings conducted a walk-through on Monday, so this designation is based on an estimation from the team. Jones and fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) both exited during the first quarter of Sunday's win over the New York Giants, but unlike Mason, Jones was able to return. The veteran ball-carrier is trending in the right direction for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, but fantasy managers should still monitor the Vikings' upcoming practice reports for additional updates. Jones could actually take on a slightly larger role this week if Mason, who was estimated as a non-participant on Monday, doesn't suit up. As it stands, he ranks as a mid-to-low RB2.
Dec 22, 2025 7:02 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Compiles 93 Total Yards In Win
Despite yet another injury and yet another quarterback change, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) put together an admirable performance with 93 total yards and the game-clinching first down in a 16-13 victory at the New York Giants. Despite departing the game on the first drive due to the injury, different from the shoulder ailment that has plagued him this season, the veteran running back returned to post 85 total rushing yards on 21 carries and two catches for eight yards. It was a necessary effort from Jones, who carried the offense after quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) and fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) left the game and didn't return. Jones figures to have full command of the backfield if Mason misses Thursday's game against Detroit, but everyone on the Minnesota offense would have a lower ceiling if McCarthy also misses time and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer has to start.
Dec 21, 2025 6:33 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Returns To Action At Giants
The Minnesota Vikings deemed running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) questionable to return to Sunday's game at the New York Giants, but saw the veteran come back to action during the second quarter. Jones had to leave the opening drive, on which fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) also was injured. The Vikings weren't as lucky on Mason, who was quickly ruled out for the day. Now that the Vikings are down a running back, Zavier Scott will slide into the No. 2 role for the remainder of the game.
Dec 21, 2025 2:02 PM EST
Vikings RB Aaron Jones Sr. Questionable To Return
The Minnesota Vikings classified running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) as questionable to return to the Vikings' game against the New York Giants on Sunday. The Vikings saw both of their top two running backs sustain injuries on their first offensive series. Jones departed the game first, then Jordan Mason (ankle) took a shot, was carted to the locker room, and was also given a questionable tag. Jones was shown warming up again on the sideline, but if neither can return, Minnesota likely will lean on running back Zavier Scott and fullback C.J. Ham to handle the running game.
Dec 21, 2025 1:29 PM EST
Improving Offense Gives Aaron Jones Sr. Potential In Week 16 Matchup
As the Minnesota Vikings' offense has looked markedly improved during the past two weeks, an increased commitment to the running game offers great potential for running back Aaron Jones Sr. in Week 16 against the New York Giants. The Vikings ran the ball on nearly 57% of snaps the past two games, did damage with play-fakes, and saw quarterback J.J. McCarthy play his best football of the year. Jones has 15 touches in back-to-back weeks, which could mean good things against a Giants defense that ranks dead last in yards per carry allowed. Additionally, New York ranks a lowly 30th against half-PPR running backs and has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns, presenting a terrific matchup at a great time for managers who roster the veteran running back. Jones can be considered a solid RB2 with the potential for more in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2025 4:20 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. In Flex Territory At Cowboys
The Minnesota Vikings may have developed a rest-of-season formula last week, which could mean continued RB3/flex potential for Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) against the Dallas Cowboys. In a 31-0 rout of Washington last week, the Vikings leaned on their running game, which led to 14 carries and 76 rushing yards for Jones. The veteran still hasn't had a breakout game this season, but has maintained a steady floor, even as the Vikings have struggled for much of the year. Additionally, he'll see a plus matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks 28th against PPR running backs and presents added potential for Jones, who has 31 targets in nine games. Jones has been battling a shoulder injury for over a month now, but has still appeared in all five games since sustaining the injury, so managers can consider him a high-floor flex option in Week 15.
Dec 12, 2025 4:27 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Still Managing a Shoulder Injury
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Week 9 and has been on the injury report ever since, but he continues to serve as the Vikings' primary RB. The 31-year-old could be cleared from the Week 15 injury report entirely if he can upgrade to a full showing on Friday. In the last five contests, Jones has 67 touches to Jordan Mason's 37. He saw 14 carries (second-most this year) for 76 yards in last week's 31-0 rout of the Washington Commanders. Jones should be good to go for this Sunday night's game on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. It's a good matchup, as Dallas has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR fantasy points to opposing RBs per game in 2025. Jones should be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers this week.
Dec 11, 2025 5:18 PM EST
Aaron Jones Limited on Wednesday
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice as they prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys. Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Week 13's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but was able to play and produce in the 31-0 win over the Washington Commanders. Jones' shoulder injury doesn't appear to be a hindering factor in Week 15, as he prepares for a former foe in the Cowboys. They have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season, and Jones has dominated them in the past, averaging 157 scrimmage yards and scoring six touchdowns in three career games against them. Assuming Jones is cleared for this week, he is a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers this week.
Dec 10, 2025 8:37 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Leads Minnesota In Rushing
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. put together a solid, if unremarkable, fantasy day by rushing for 76 yards on only 14 carries as the Vikings routed Washington 31-0 on Sunday. While the veteran was effective on the ground, his overall fantasy output was lessened with no touchdowns and no catches on a single target. Backfield mate Jordan Mason scored the lone rushing touchdown of the game as Minnesota split carries 14-11 in favor of Jones. Most encouragingly, quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 16 of 23 passes and threw three touchdowns with no interceptions, and the offense predictably opened up with some semblance of a passing game. Managers will hope for a similar showing from Jones and the Vikings in a plus matchup with Dallas in Week 15.
Dec 7, 2025 5:05 PM EST
Cloudy Week 14 Outlook For Aaron Jones Sr.
Running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) of the Minnesota Vikings does not have an injury designation when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14, but he should be considered a risky flex option for fantasy lineups. The veteran has drawn more playing time than backfield mate Jordan Mason, but departed last week's loss at Seattle and did not return after re-aggravating his previous AC joint ailment that also knocked him out of Week 9's game at Detroit. The Vikings surely will want to lean on the running game against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th against half-PPR running backs to help their floundering passing offense, which could present opportunities for both backs. While the matchup is excellent, managers will have to consider that the shoulder is a lingering issue Jones will have to deal with, and the Vikings haven't exactly inspired much confidence in recent weeks.
Dec 5, 2025 3:45 PM EST
Aaron Jones Sr. Cleared to Play in Week 14
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) has been cleared from the injury report and will suit up on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to the team's official website. Jones was limited on Wednesday and Thursday after exiting early during the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 due to a shoulder injury, but he is good to go in Week 14. The 31-year-old running back struggled to find running lanes against Seattle's stout defense, handling six carries for just three yards, but he was productive as a receiver with four receptions (four targets) for 22 yards before leaving. Jones has continued to play ahead of Jordan Mason since returning in Week 8, and he'll get a favorable matchup in Week 14 against a Commanders defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. Another plus for Jones is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is back this week following a one-game absence due to a concussion.
Dec 5, 2025 3:23 PM EST
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