Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Saquon Barkley

Wednesday, September 16, 11:01 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. will head into the Week 2 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend as the team's unquestioned RB1 after the news that Jordan Mason is heading to the short-term Injured Reserve due to a fractured thumb. The 31-year-old veteran took a back seat to Mason in the season-opening loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 1, handling 12 rushing attempts for only 40 yards (3.3 yards per carry), although he was able to find the end zone. Jones did not corral his only target in the passing game. In addition to Jones, rookie Demond Claiborne will have an elevated role as the backup to Jones for however long Mason is out. Jones, a former fifth-rounder by the Green Bay Packers in 2017 from Texas-El Paso, had his fourth career 1,000-yard season in his first year in Minnesota in 2024, adding five rushing touchdowns. However, he dropped to 548 yards and just two rushing TDs in 12 starts in 2025 while being banged up. With Mason out of the picture for at least four games, Jones will have some RB2 upside in fantasy.