The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.
Apr 7, 2025 12:27 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings are re-signing running back Aaron Jones, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jones' new agreement is a two-year $20 million deal, including $13 million guaranteed. The UTEP product is fresh off his first season with the team, in which he set career-highs in touches (306), carries (255), and rushing yards (1,138) -- totaling seven touchdowns. It was just the third time he'd participated in a full slate of games in his career. The move makes sense for the Vikes, as the 30-year-old was still productive despite dealing with rib, hip, and quad injuries during the 2024 season. It will be interesting to see who the team's signal-caller will be, as J.J. McCarthy (knee) is slated to begin practicing in the spring, though to what extent is unknown. Still, Minnesota has their lead back locked up, and he'll likely be among the first 15-20 backs taken off the board in fantasy drafts this summer.
Mar 9, 2025 6:38 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings want to re-sign impending free-agent running back Aaron Jones, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that even if they do, they are looking for more of a by-committee backfield approach. Lewis expects the Vikings to take a running back in the upcoming NFL draft in April. After signing a one-year, $7 million deal with Minnesota last offseason, the 30-year-old former Packers RB posted his fourth 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added five rushing touchdowns on a career-high 255 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts. He also added 51 catches for 408 yards and another two touchdowns. But Jones is now 30 years old, and the Vikings surely want to lessen his load as he ages if they bring him back in 2025. If Jones returns to the Vikings next season, he could end up being more of a shaky RB2 target in fantasy.
Mar 4, 2025 10:01 AM EST
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Denver Broncos are expected to "take a look" at a versatile back for Sean Payton's rushing scheme. Fowler noted that given Jones' eight years of NFL experience, he could be a strong fit for a team that is looking to take the next step. During the 2024 season, the Broncos struggled to generate much on the ground as they tallied the 17th-most rushing yards per game (112.2). Javonte Williams tallied the most yards out of the backfield (513), with Jaleel McLaughlin just behind with 496 yards. In his debut campaign in Minnesota, Aaron Jones ran for 1,138 yards with five scores on 255 attempts. He added 408 yards and two scores on 51 receptions. Even though he is entering his age-30 season, Jones should be in a good position to tally over 1,000 yards on the ground once again in 2025.
Feb 2, 2025 2:08 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 13 times for 48 yards and hauled in 3-of-6 targets for an additional 12 yards in their 27-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old again dominated backfield touches for the Vikings but didn't have much to show for it. Jones was actually decent when he toted the rock but was mainly phased out of the team's plan of attack after they quickly trailed 17-3 in the first half. That, and quarterback Sam Darnold's ineffectiveness, would be the cause of another average day for the veteran rusher, who failed to eclipse 50 yards on the ground in his last three outings. Unfortunately, Minnesota's season will end despite working to a 14-3 record in the regular season. Jones will now hit the market, headlining the list of free-agent RBs in 2025.
Jan 14, 2025 12:00 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) carries no designation into his road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The 30-year-old has been bothered by a quad injury for a few weeks now, but he's yet to be inactive. It's excellent news, too, as backfield mate Cam Akers (illness) popped up as a late-week DNP and is questionable for the contest with an illness. Jones' rushing totals have declined recently, but he's been involved in the passing game -- reeling in nine catches over his previous two outings. If Akers is unable to suit up, the veteran would likely be due for an elevated workload with Ty Chandler (illness) working in behind him. The Rams haven't let up a ton of fantasy points to RBs, but they did allow the 130 yards per game on the ground to opposing offenses. The former Green Bay Packer is RotoBaller's PPR RB10 for the Wild Card round.
Jan 11, 2025 5:09 PM EST
For the second straight day this week, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was limited in practice on Friday. Jones was also on last week's injury report with the quad issue before suiting up and playing 62 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 18 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale. Jones had 15 touches for 75 scrimmage yards. The 30-year-old should be available on wild-card weekend for the Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, although he could carry a questionable tag into that one if he's limited again on Friday. As Minnesota's backfield leader in a high-scoring offense, Jones should at least be considered a low-end RB1 for fantasy managers in playoff leagues. The Rams defense was in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed to RBs in 2024, while Jones had 19 carries for 58 yards in the loss to LA back on Oct. 24.
Jan 10, 2025 6:04 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) remains on the injury report and was limited in the first practice of the week on Thursday. The Vikings still have two more days of practice, so as long as Jones can return to a full session by Saturday, he should be cleared to face the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card playoff round on Monday night. The 30-year-old was also limited in practice with his quad injury last week but ended up playing in the Sunday night loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions in the Week 18 regular-season finale, seeing 15 touches for 75 scrimmage yards on a 62% snap share. For the volume alone as Minnesota's primary back in a high-scoring offense, Jones should be considered a low-end RB1 for wild-card weekend in fantasy. In the loss to the Rams back on Oct. 24, Jones had 19 carries for 58 yards and also caught two passes for 37 yards.
Jan 9, 2025 5:34 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones rushed 10 times for 45 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, adding 30 yards through the air on five of six receiving. The 30-year-old was effective when he touched the rock but did not receive his typical allotment of snaps in this one. Jones was utilized heavily on the Vikings' first drive but saw just one more touch in the quarter before taking off for a few possessions. He'd again be frequently featured on their last drive of the first half, but he saw only five more touches for the rest of the game. The broadcast noted that the eighth-year pro had been on the sideline for an extended period, though no injury designation had been made. He'd also take a shot later in the game and was slow to get up, so that and his previous quad ailment are possibly the culprits for his diminished snaps. Seeing the veteran limited at practice this week wouldn't be surprising. Jones will get an extra day of rest as his team now prepares for their road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night to cap off wild-card weekend. Minnesota's first practice report will be out on Thursday.
Jan 6, 2025 12:19 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) is without designation for Sunday night's divisional clash with the Detroit Lions. The eighth-year pro picked up a quad injury in last weekend's bout against his former team -; kicking the week off with back-to-back limited sessions. However, on Friday, he was a full participant and enters the road tilt all systems go. Jones is the RB14 on the season -; averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game. Although Detroit's D has been friendly through the air, they've been staunch against opposing rushing attacks. The Lions are letting up just 97 yards per game on the ground (third-fewest) and the fifth-least fantasy points per game to RBs (19.1). Still, in a game with the highest over/under of the week (57) -; there should be plenty of offense to go around. The 30-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB13 in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 4:37 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as limited again in the team's second practice of the week on Thursday. Jones suffered an apparent quadriceps contusion in the second half of their Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers and never returned to the contest. However, the 30-year-old veteran's injury isn't considered serious, and he has a shot to play in the Week 18 divisional showdown on Sunday against the Detroit Lions that will decide not only the NFC North champions, but the No. 1 overall seed in the conference for the postseason. Jones could get a questionable tag going into Sunday night's game if he's limited again on Friday, but we're expecting him to suit up and play his usual number of snaps as Minnesota's starter. At worst, Jones will be a low-end RB1 in fantasy. He had 14 carries for 93 yards and a TD in the first meeting against Detroit.
Jan 2, 2025 5:11 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) was listed as a limited practice participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Jones suffered a quadriceps contusion late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday and didn't return to the game. However, the 30-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, giving him a good chance to be ready to go for a huge Week 18 contest against the division-rival Detroit Lions that will decide the winner of the NFC North and the top seed in the NFC postseason. Jones has been the RB15 in half-PPR scoring in his first year in Minnesota with 245 carries for 1,093 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 46 receptions for 378 yards and two more TDs in 16 games. If Jones is active, he'll be a top-10 fantasy RB with many teams resting their starters in the Week 18 regular-season finale.
Jan 1, 2025 6:47 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Aaron Jones (quadriceps) isn't dealing with a major injury after being pulled late in the Week 17 win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday with a quadriceps contusion. Jones tried to get his quad worked on over on the sideline late in the fourth quarter, but out of an abundance of caution, he did not return against Green Bay. While Jones' status will be somewhat in question for the huge Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions, which will decide the top seed in the NFC playoff picture, he should be able to play. If Jones is limited at all because of the injury, Cam Akers would benefit from more touches out of the backfield in a tough matchup. The 30-year-old Jones finished Sunday's game with 12 carries for 47 yards while catching four of his five targets for an additional 30 yards.
Dec 30, 2024 12:19 PM EST
Per head coach Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) suffered a quad contusion in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers. The 30-year-old was apparently stepped on, forcing him to miss a stretch before halftime. He'd return to the game in the third quarter but sat out again in the fourth with the outing seemingly safely at hand. That he could return initially is excellent news for him, though it's worth mentioning that he remained on the sidelines even when the Packers brought the game within one score late. With a crucial matchup on deck with their division-rival Detroit Lions in Week 18, the Vikes will need all the help they can get as they attempt to clinch the division and secure the conference's top seed. Keep an eye on Jones' practice status this week ahead of the season's final slate of action.
Dec 29, 2024 9:36 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones handled 12 carries for 47 yards in his team's 27-25 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He chipped in another 30 yards on 4-of-5 receiving. The eighth-year pro was effective when he touched the ball but missed a good chunk of time in this one -- ceding way to teammate Cam Akers while he dealt with his ailment. Jones was never designated with an injury, but the broadcast team reported that he got stepped on at one point and was later seen with a wrap around his leg on the sidelines. He'd reenter the game but sat out the entirety of the fourth quarter. Minnesota was up 27-10 at the start of the final frame, and their lead is likely the reason why they rested the veteran. Still, it's notable that he remained out with the Packers, bringing the game to a two-point margin. He'll now rest up ahead of the Vikings' pivotal Week 18 meeting with the Detroit Lions. The winner of that matchup will clinch the NFC North and hold the top spot in the conference.
Dec 29, 2024 7:58 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones will square off against an exploitable Green Bay Packers defense at home in Week 17. The eighth-year veteran will line up with his former team for the second time this Sunday. In their first meeting, Jones scored a strong 17.9 fantasy points despite nary a trip to the end zone. His target totals have come down from earlier this season with the emergence of wide receiver Jordan Addison over the last few weeks. Still, the 30-year-old is averaging a healthy 18.3 touches per game. Green Bay has been a chore for opposing passing attacks this season, but they've been more forgiving to fantasy RBs. Although the Packers are affording their opponents the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game (102.5), they've allowed an average of 23.5 fantasy PPG to rushers -; a middle-of-the-road figure. Jones ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB13 ahead of this week's slate of action.
Dec 27, 2024 5:20 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones totaled 67 scoreless yards on his 18 carries, adding another 26 through the air on 3-of-5 receiving in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. It was the first time since Week 11 that the former fifth-round pick did not hit pay dirt. Despite the mediocre outing in an exploitable matchup, the 30-year-old provided another double-digit fantasy performance -- his eleventh in 15 tries this season. On the bright side, Jones has seemingly put his fumbling spell behind him after a stretch in which he went three straight games coughing up the rock. He'll get another favorable spot next Sunday in a rematch against the visiting Green Bay Packers. It'll be the veteran's second revenge game against his former squad, and he fared well against them earlier this season -- racking up 139 total yards.
Dec 22, 2024 10:54 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has another exploitable outing on tap in Week 16 in a road tilt with the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran is in the midst of a nice stretch, with a touchdown in four straight games and three appearances of at least 16 fantasy points. He's commanded fewer targets recently than earlier in the season (likely due to the emergence of Jordan Addison). However, he has still registered at least two receptions in all but two contests. Despite allowing just nine rushing scores, Seattle has favored fantasy RBs in 2024 -; letting up the seventh-most rushing yards (109.43) and tenth-most fantasy points per game (24.8) to running backs. Jones clocks in as RotoBaller's PPR RB16 in this week's ranks.
Dec 20, 2024 5:09 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones piled up 86 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in his team's 30-12 win against the Chicago Bears. The 30-year-old added 20 yards on 2-of-3 receiving. It was another strong performance from the veteran, who has been an excellent addition to the Vikings' squad in 2024. After sparse TD production earlier this season, he now has one score in four straight games and at least 73 rushing yards in four of his last six. Jones has been a solid RB2 this year and will be as such with upside in Week 16 when Minnesota squares off against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Seattle has allowed 24.8 fantasy points per game to RBs -- the tenth-most in the league -- through 14 contests.
Dec 16, 2024 11:39 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (back) could have another strong outing this Monday night against their division-rival Chicago Bears. The veteran runner was outstanding in the two teams' last meeting, churning out 129 total yards and a touchdown in the road tilt. While the Bears have typically been sound against the pass this season, they've allowed gobs of yards on the ground (134.8 per game) and are tied for the third-most rush yards per attempt (4.8). Through 14 weeks, Chicago is letting up 25.5 fantasy points per game to running backs -; the eighth highest. Fantasy managers can comfortably slot Jones into their lineup as a solid RB2 with upside. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB20 in this week's ranks.
Dec 14, 2024 3:22 PM EST
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