Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Jaylen Warren

Wednesday, June 4, 12:51 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is taking part in voluntary organized team activities this offseason. Mason missed the last five games of the 2024 season due to a high-ankle sprain, but he's back on the field in early June and should be completely healthy and ready to go for Week 1 in his first season with Minnesota. The 26-year-old had a breakout season with Christian McCaffrey missing most of the year with injuries, as he finished with 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns while adding 11 catches for 91 yards in 12 games (six starts). Mason isn't going to have the kind of workload he did in San Fran with CMC injured, but the Vikings want to spell starter Aaron Jones more to keep him fresh, which is where Mason comes in. RB3/flex value seems plausible, especially if Mason is the Vikes' preferred goal-line option.

Friday, July 25, 8:20 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was going through first-team reps during the beginning of Thursday's practice. It would make sense that Warren would get the first chance at the starting job in Pittsburgh. He has earned that opportunity after putting in solid work as the backup over the last few seasons. Most notably, Warren rushed for 784 yards with four touchdowns while earning a 5.26 yards per carry during the 2023 season. The departure of Najee Harris will give Warren a chance to earn full-time reps this upcoming season. However, third-round pick Kaleb Johnson figures to be breathing down his neck. The Iowa product should immediately be in the mix in what many believe will be a co-starter role. It's hard to imagine either back running away with the job, so a co-starter type of situation seems likely.