Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. saw his workload significantly reduced in Week 7, managing just eight carries for 26 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran back also recorded one catch for no gain on his lone target, marking a stark contrast to his recent production. This dip in usage comes as Jordan Mason, who has been sidelined for approximately a month, returned to the field and immediately reasserted his presence in the rushing attack.
Fumble and injury return shift Vikings RB usage, signaling a drop in fantasy value for Jones.
Mason’s return disrupted the established rhythm, as he rushed 15 times for 68 yards, averaging an efficient 4.5 yards per carry compared to Jones’s 3.3 yards per attempt. While Jones maintained a solid performance during Mason’s absence, a fumble in Week 7—though recovered by the Vikings—provided the coaching staff with a clear opportunity to redistribute touches. The shift in volume highlights a potential competitive dynamic that could persist as Mason regains full confidence and health.
For fantasy football owners, the implications are immediate: Jones’s role as a reliable RB1 is likely over, and his status is now firmly that of a low-end RB3 or flex option. While he remains a viable starter in thin leagues, the trajectory of usage suggests a significant decline in weekly volume. Managers should monitor Mason’s development closely, as the Vikings’ backfield is transitioning from a Jones-led unit to a more balanced, or potentially Mason-dominant, committee.
Source: Yahoo Sports
