Minnesota Vikings RB Gives His Own Injury Update

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Oct 16, 2024

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have been practicing for three days now after returning home from London last week. It provides them ample time to get ready for a tilt against the Detroit Lions. Aaron Jones left the game against the New York Jets with an injury, and his status for Sunday is unknown. He did provide an update on himself Wednesday though.

Aaron Jones spills the tea in anticipation of Minnesota Vikings game against Detroit

This season the Minnesota Vikings have gotten significantly better production out of the backfield. That’s largely because they employ Aaron Jones as opposed to Alexander Mattison. The veteran suffered a hip injury overseas and remains uncertain to play Sunday. He provided an update during media availability on Wednesday.

#Vikings RB Aaron Jones “not sure” if he’ll play Sunday.

He’ll practice Thursday and Friday and see how he feels.

Jones noted that he hurt his hip stretching pregame against #Jets and then left after taking a hit in the 1st quarter.

pic.twitter.com/mz8POw4ZLH
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 16, 2024

Jones’ “I’m not sure” suggestion regarding his status for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions looms large. Of course Kevin O’Connell would prefer to have his lead running back on the field. That said, the recent acquisition of Cam Akers brings depth and familiarity to the roster.

Although Ty Chandler struggled in London against the Jets, he has also previously proven capable of handling a lead role. Thursday and Friday’s practices will determine the eventual status for Jones.

Cam Akers has Vikings Aaron Jones excited about the running back room

The Minnesota Vikings running game struggle last season after Alexander Mattison failed to establish himself as a lead back. Cam Akers was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams to right the ship, and Ty Chandler took over down the stretch. Brought back from the Houston Texans, Akers’ presence has Jones excited about what the position can do going forward.

“It brings another explosive back. I’ve been watching him since he was in college. Huge fan of his game. We have mutual running backs, he’s from Mississippi and I told him, I was like hey I knew that. I played with a running back in Green Bay who would always talk about you. He was like who (likely suspect being Kylin Hill), and I told him. I never had gotten a chance to really talk to him until today. Seems great. I’m excited to have him in our room. He brings a lot of juice. We all piggyback off of each other from the knowledge to what we see on the field. Definitely excited to have him.”
Aaron Jones on Cam Akers

If Jones isn’t able to go, Chandler will likely get the first crack. However, Akers knows the offense from last season, and he was the choice behind Mattison before the young running back took over. On the heels of a lackluster performance, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Akers lead the backfield.

How Minnesota attacks Detroit on Sunday remains to be seen. The matchup features a pair of NFC juggernauts, and fans are turning out in droves to see it.