Minnesota Vikings get important news coming out of the bye week, and it could change their offense for the better
Getting Jordan Mason back is going to be massive for the Minnesota Vikings, and it could give the offense the jolt they need.
The Minnesota Vikings received great injury news on Monday when they officially opened the practice window for running back Jordan Mason. Mason has been designated to return from injured reserve, which gives Minnesota a real chance to get a key piece of its backfield back on the field.
It’s an important move for the Vikings as they push for the playoffs, the NFC North, and a Super Bowl. Getting Mason back adds another layer to a rushing attack that has quickly become central to how this team wins games.
Vikings designate RB Jordan Mason to return from IR
Over the past few weeks, the Vikings have made a real impact on the ground. Minnesota has been consistent in its desire to run the football, and head coach Kevin O’Connell hasn’t backed away from that approach.
That’s a key factor in this entire conversation. Since O’Connell has made the run game a major focus, it’s pu8t extra stress on Aaron Jones. The offense only stays effective if the backs carrying it stay healthy and fresh, and that’s where depth becomes more than a luxury.
Jones has had 97 touches over the last four weeks, and gained 442 yards in the process. Having him thrive this season has been huge in maximizing the Vikings’ ball control style of offense.
Jones has also pushed through multiple minor injuries along the way. Having a running mate in Mason to help ease that burden is going to be huge for both the sustainability of this rushing attack and its long-term impact.
A rotation keeps Jones fresher for the stretch run and lets Minnesota keep running the ball at the volume O’Connell clearly wants. Without help, the Vikings risk wearing down their top back before the games that matter most even arrive.
What will the Vikings end up doing at running back? Will they make a trade? Will they try to completely revamp the room by acquiring a high-impact player like Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley?
We don’t know that for sure, but it wouldn’t be shocking if they did. Minnesota has its sights set high, and a move of that size would signal just how serious the front office is about making a deep run.
If they don’t make a splash, Mason’s return will still be a huge help. It isn’t the same as landing a star, but it does address the biggest issue facing this backfield right now, which is how much one player has been asked to do.
If Mason shows that he’s 100 percent ready to go, he’ll end up playing on Sunday. Sunday will mark six weeks since Mason suffered a broken thumb. That timeline puts Minnesota in a good spot, and if he’s cleared, the run game could take a major step forward right away.
The practice reps this week will tell the story. If Mason looks like himself, the Vikings suddenly have the one-two punch in the backfield they’ve been missing, and Jones finally gets the relief he’s earned.
