Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has a hamstring injury that will require a stint on injured reserve (IR).
Vikings’ RB Aaron Jones Head To IR
Source: Vikings placed RB Aaron Jones on injured reserve due to his hamstring injury. He’s now out a minimum of four weeks. pic.twitter.com/mxwal8uMSU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
One of the Vikings’ top running backs is injured.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones will be placed on injured reserve. The running back injured his hamstring during Sunday night’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell ruled Jones out for Week 3 on Monday. One day later, the Vikings moved Jones to the IR, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games.
The Vikings’ next four games:
- Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers (in Dublin)
- Week 5: at Cleveland Browns (in London)
- Week 6: Bye
- Week 7: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jones has struggled rushing the ball in 2025. Jones has 13 carries for 46 yards. Jones had an important touchdown catch in Week 1’s comeback over the Chicago Bears.
Jordan Mason will now receive the majority of the carries. Mason came over from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason. Mason has been much more effective on the ground with 98 yards on 24 carries.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Vikings are signing running back Cam Akers to the practice squad. Akers previously played for the Vikings in 2023 and 2024.
Akers rushed for 297 yards and one touchdown in 12 games with Minnesota last season. Akers also added 10 receptions for 52 yards and two touchdowns.
The Vikings are placing starting RB Aaron Jones on Injured Reserve, knocking him out four games, per me and @TomPelissero. He has a hamstring injury.
Jordan Mason now becomes RB1. Cam Akers is signing to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/MgsBoaKNG9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2025
Vikings’ Injuries Are Adding Up
A high ankle sprain is expected to sideline Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy two to four weeks, which means he might not play again until an Oct. 19 home game vs. the Eagles.
Here’s why with @tyschmit:
🎧 https://t.co/45VtgpkUwf pic.twitter.com/2X0yVQVz9c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2025
Jones is not the only Vikings player who suffered an injury in Week 2’s loss to the Falcons.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy sprained his ankle and will miss Week 3’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
McCarthy’s injury will likely keep him out two to four weeks. However, the Vikings are overseas in Weeks 4 and 5. With a bye in Week 6, it might make more sense to rest McCarthy for the next three games and have him return in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After an inspiring Week 1 victory, McCarthy struggled in Week 2, finishing 11 of 21 for 158 yards and two interceptions. McCarthy was also sacked six times. Aside from 1.5 quarters in Week 1, McCarthy’s NFL career has gotten off to a rocky start.
Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings in Week 3. Wentz is now the first quarterback in NFL history to start for six different teams in six years.
If there’s any coach who can maximize a forgotten quarterback’s talents, it’s Kevin O’Connell. Look at what happened with Sam Darnold last season. If Wentz has a fraction of the success of Darnold, the Vikings should be OK until McCarthy returns.
