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Will Aaron Jones play Week 7? Latest Vikings RB injury updates

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Will Aaron Jones play Week 7? Latest Vikings RB injury updates

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The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a bye in Week 6 and are looking to remain undefeated in a divisional clash against the Detroit Lions.

One of the main questions facing Minnesota fans attending the contest is whether Minnesota's star running back Aaron Jones will be in action for the contest.

Jones suffered a hip injury in the Vikings' Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London. He played only 16 offensive snaps before leaving the game and did not return due to the illness.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell announced before the bye that Jones would be out “week-to-week” with the injury. That raised hopes that Jones could return to action after the bye, but Minnesota's trade for Cam Akers on October 15 has led many to speculate that Jones could be out longer than originally expected.

Here's what you should know about Jones' injury and his status for Week 7 against the Lions.

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Aaron Jones injury update

The Vikings have not yet provided an official injury update on Jones' status following the Week 6 bye, but O'Connell said the running back “avoided a long-term injury” following their 23-17 win over the Jets in London.

“Aaron Jones continues to be evaluated but from the initial information we have received so far it looks like we have avoided a long-term injury but I would really classify him as week-to-week at this point,” O said Connell on Oct. 8, according to Vikings.com. “He will be receiving treatment throughout the week and I will give you an update next week on how he is doing as we hopefully ease him back into practice.”

According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Jones was on the field for “a light bonus (practice) session” on October 14.

The Vikings will not release their first practice report for Week 7 until Wednesday, October 16th. Jones is listed as either a full, restricted or non-attending participant for this session. For Jones, logging something limited or better would be a positive development, while acquiring a “DNP” would cast doubt on his availability in Week 7.

Will Aaron Jones play Week 7?

It is not yet clear whether Jones will play in Week 7 of the NFL. As long as he is not placed on injured reserve (IR), Jones will be allowed to practice and may have a chance to play.

The Vikings will not announce his playing status until Friday, when he is listed on the injury report as questionable, doubtful, opted out or outright.

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Vikings RB depth chart

Jones is the clear top running back for the Vikings, who now have a four-deep running back after trading Akers. Below is a look at Minnesota's running back rotation:

  1. Aaron Jones
  2. Ty Chandler
  3. Cam Akers
  4. Myles Gaskin

Chandler averaged a respectable 4.5 yards per carry on 102 carries last season, good enough to win the backup job for the 2024 NFL season. However, he has only generated 147 yards on 42 carries (3.5 yards per game) so far this season, so O'Connell may not want to give him full usage if Jones' absence costs him time.

That's one of the reasons the Vikings traded for Akers. They acquired the veteran running back from the Los Angeles Rams before the 2023 NFL trade deadline, and while he didn't have much success in Minnesota (138 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries), he is familiar with O'Connell's offensive system. That will allow him to step into a role as Chandler's top backup if Jones is unable to play in Week 7.

Meanwhile, Gaskin is another veteran runner who recorded 972 scrimmage yards for the Miami Dolphins in 2020. He will serve as the team's depth option, while former Colts running back Zavier Scott is available on the practice squad should the Vikings need reinforcements at the position.

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