Aaron Jones injury scare represents worst-case scenario for Vikings offense

Ryan OLeary

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Aaron Jones injury scare represents worst-case scenario for Vikings offense image

The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the best stories of the 2024 NFL season to date. 

While the defense has tormented opposing quarterbacks during the team’s 5-0 start, it’s been the elite play of Sam Darnold and the offense through this stretch that no one saw coming. 

The Vikings hit their bye week ranked fifth in the NFL in points per play, a strong indicator of an efficient offense. Darnold and his 103.4 passer rating through five weeks has been a huge factor, but the impact of veteran running back Aaron Jones also can’t be understated. 

Jones, who signed with Minnesota in March after being released by the rival Green Bay Packers, has been a difference-maker through five games, piling up 517 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns despite missing the second half of Week 5 with a hip injury. The 28-year-old has helped bolster a Vikings run game that had ranked among the bottom teams in the NFL over the past three seasons. 

The Vikings struggled to land a knockout blow on Sunday after taking an early 17-0 lead over the New York Jets in London. The switch from Jones to Ty Chandler, who wound up averaging 2.1 yards on 14 carries from the second quarter on, definitely played a role in those struggles. 

The bye week appears to be coming at the perfect time for the Vikings, and head coach Kevin O’Connell said he’s hopeful that Jones' injury is a short-term thing. But if it does linger longer than expected, the Vikings could find themselves questioning their backup plan at the position entering the season.

Jones has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He’s played a full slate of games just twice in his six pro seasons, not counting his rookie year with the Packers.

At 5-0, the Vikings have positioned themselves as a sure-fire playoff contender. Their upside in the postseason could depend on keeping their new star running back as healthy as possible.

More Minnesota Vikings news:

NFL power rankings Week 6: Experts grapple with surging Vikings at No. 1

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How Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold revived careers on fourth NFL teams

Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.