Minnesota Vikings lose Aaron Jones to injury reserve after hamstring setback
- Aaron Jones sustained a hamstring injury and is now on injured reserve.
- Jordan Mason is expected to take over as the primary running back during Jones' absence.
- The team's roster struggles raise concerns about their performance moving forward.
In the United States, the Minnesota Vikings are facing mounting challenges due to injuries within their roster. Starting running back Aaron Jones was announced as headed to injured reserve following a hamstring injury sustained during a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on September 14, 2025. In his limited time on the field this season, Jones managed to rush 13 times for 46 yards, alongside a touchdown reception. His absence is significant, not just for the running back position as his injury compounds an already strained offense missing starters at quarterback, left tackle, center, and wide receiver. The Vikings' depth chart has been affected as well, with offseason acquisition Jordan Mason stepping up to take a more prominent role, having provided better performance metrics over the two games, with 24 carries resulting in 98 yards. The situation worsens for the Vikings as reserve running back Ty Chandler is already on I.R., leaving Zavier Scott as the only other healthy option. In a strategic move to bolster their roster, the Vikings also signed Cam Akers to their practice squad shortly after the announcement of Jones' injury. As injuries pile up, the Vikings' offensive struggles could worsen. New quarterback J.J. McCarthy is grappling with a lackluster start, having faced criticism for being sacked nine times in just two games. With two touchdowns against three interceptions and now dealing with an expected ankle sprain leaving him sidelined for at least a week, the coaching staff must navigate a fragile situation. In a league where consistency is pivotal, the current state of their roster indicates potential further decline in performance, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding the team's competitive viability this season. Across the league, the Washington Commanders also face injury-related challenges that echo those seen in Minnesota. After losing running back Austin Ekeler to a season-ending Achilles injury, they traded Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick, bringing additional scrutiny to their depth charts. With the impending free agency negotiations for Robinson and the necessity to compensate for Ekeler’s departure, the Commanders are considering options to improve their backfield while managing their salary cap effectively. The recent injury crises affecting both teams shine a light on the unpredictability of the sport, underscoring how quickly team dynamics can shift.