The Minnesota Vikings activated running back Aaron Jones, Sr., from injured reserve on Thursday. Is Jones playing tonight? Find out if the veteran will suit up for Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones: Status for Thursday Night Football
The #Vikings have activated @Showtyme_33 from IR and waived LB Kobe King.
G Henry Byrd has been elevated to the active roster for tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/lRRfhEvr1r
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 23, 2025
For the first time in over a month, Jones will suit up for the Vikings. The running back is eligible to play against the Chargers.
To make room for Jones on the roster, the Vikings waived rookie linebacker Kobe King.
Jones has not played since injuring his hamstring in Week 2’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Jones finished the game with 23 yards on five carries.
In Week 1, Jones made a significant impact on the Vikings’ offense. Jones caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy to give the Vikings a 20-17 lead before their eventual 27-24 victory.
Jones finished the game with 23 yards on eight carries to go along with three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.
With Jones on the sideline, the Vikings turned to Jordan Mason as the No. 1 running back. Jones has been fairly productive in Jones’ absence, with 84 rushes for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Zavier Scott also chipped in, with over 115 scrimmage yards and one touchdown.
Mason will likely remain as the team’s top option on first and second down. However, Jones should take over third-down duties, especially in passing situations.
This is Jones’ second season with the Vikings, who came to Minnesota after seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
In 2024, Jones rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns on 255 carries. Jones also caught 51 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns.
Vikings Previews vs. Chargers
Showdown in LA.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/ZBWtm6ctls
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 23, 2025
For the fifth consecutive game, Carson Wentz will start at quarterback in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy. Max Brosmer will serve as the backup, and McCarthy will be the third-string emergency quarterback.
McCarthy has not played since suffering an ankle sprain in Week 2.
Wentz is 2-2 as a starter this season. The former No. 2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has thrown for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The Vikings’ defense has been rock-solid this season, ranking seventh in passing defense (184.0 yards per game), ninth in total defense (301.7 yards per game), and 10th in scoring defense (20.8 points per game).
Under Brian Flores, the Vikings’ defense has the highest blitz rate in the NFL (44%). Expect that to continue against a struggling Chargers’ offensive line.
The Vikings (3-3) take on the Chargers (4-3) at SoFi Stadium on Week 8’s Thursday Night Football.
