RADIO
Aaron Jones Sr. Profiles as a Top-24 Running Back in Week 2
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. entered 2026 as part of a split backfield with fellow veteran Jordan Mason (thumb). However, Mason was placed on Injured Reserve following Minnesota's Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers with a thumb fracture. After recording 12 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay, Jones Sr. now looks to be in a position to play a much larger role in the Vikings offense. In Week 2, Jones Sr. and the Vikings will travel to Chicago to take on the Bears. Chicago's run defense struggled in Week 1, allowing 5.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns to the Carolina Panthers. Minnesota will also be starting backup quarterback Carson Wentz, so the Vikings could look to control the game by keeping the ball on the ground. Given the likely increase in workload, Jones Sr. profiles as a top-24 fantasy running back in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne Expected to Be Active Sunday
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne is expected to be active for the first time Sunday against Chicago, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, according to Matthew Coller. Claiborne was inactive for Minnesota's opener against Green Bay, but the backfield looks different now with Jordan Mason on injured reserve following thumb surgery. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the group, with DeeJay Dallas also expected to be involved behind him. Claiborne was a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest after rushing for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Jones said this week that he encouraged the rookie to stay locked into the opener even while inactive and use it as a chance to learn. Sunday should give Claiborne his first opportunity to contribute in a regular-season game.
Source: Matthew Coller
Source: Matthew Coller
Potential For Aaron Jones Sr. As Backfield Leader At Bears
Now that Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (finger) will miss at least four games on injured reserve, fellow running back Aaron Jones Sr. is a solid RB2 option as the Vikings prepare to play Chicago in Week 2. What certainly looked to be a backfield split that slightly favored Mason is now a backfield that features Jones, journeyman DeeJay Dallas, and rookie Demond Claiborne, who was inactive in Week 1. While Jones may not be a workhorse any longer, his fantasy prospects have certainly improved in time to face a shaky Bears defense that ranks 29th in yards per carry allowed, 29th in air yards allowed, and missed nine tackles last week. Even without starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion), Jones' receiving ability and control of the backfield are appealing. As RotoBaller's No. 20 running back this week, Jones should draw serious consideration in most formats against Chicago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne Ready To Break Out In Week 2?
Mostly limited to deep sleeper consideration during the offseason, Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne could have an elevated role sooner than expected ahead of the Vikings' Week 2 trip to Chicago. The Minnesota backfield is in need of assistance now that Jordan Mason (thumb) will miss at least a month, vacating his rushing-first role and opening the door for the rookie to earn his first carries. Claiborne showed some pop in training camp, but he was inactive in Week 1 in favor of journeyman DeeJay Dallas. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the Minnesota backfield, but at this stage of his career, he's unlikely to be an every-down workhorse again. It warrants mentioning that neither Jones nor Mason is currently under contract for next season, so Claiborne could change the team's plans if he capitalizes on his opportunities as a rookie. As RotoBaller's No. 58 running back this week, he might not be ready for starting lineups just yet, but forward-thinking managers might consider stashing him in case he breaks loose in Mason's absence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne Suddenly Becomes a Top Fantasy Stash
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but his fantasy situation changed quickly this week. Jordan Mason is headed to short-term injured reserve with a fractured thumb after handling 15 carries in Sunday's win over Green Bay, leaving a meaningful chunk of the backfield workload up for grabs. Claiborne was already the only running back listed behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Mason on Minnesota's Week 1 depth chart, and the Vikings traded up to select him in the sixth round this spring. There is no guarantee those missing carries immediately become his. DeeJay Dallas dressed ahead of Claiborne in the opener, and Minnesota could lean on the veteran while the rookie works his way into the offense. The opening is still much larger than it was a few days ago. Claiborne went from being buried behind two established backs to having a realistic path toward offensive touches, making him one of the more interesting fantasy stashes coming out of Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Now the Clear RB1 for Vikings After Teammate's Injury
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. will head into the Week 2 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend as the team's unquestioned RB1 after the news that Jordan Mason is heading to the short-term Injured Reserve due to a fractured thumb. The 31-year-old veteran took a back seat to Mason in the season-opening loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 1, handling 12 rushing attempts for only 40 yards (3.3 yards per carry), although he was able to find the end zone. Jones did not corral his only target in the passing game. In addition to Jones, rookie Demond Claiborne will have an elevated role as the backup to Jones for however long Mason is out. Jones, a former fifth-rounder by the Green Bay Packers in 2017 from Texas-El Paso, had his fourth career 1,000-yard season in his first year in Minnesota in 2024, adding five rushing touchdowns. However, he dropped to 548 yards and just two rushing TDs in 12 starts in 2025 while being banged up. With Mason out of the picture for at least four games, Jones will have some RB2 upside in fantasy.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Jordan Mason Heading to Short-Term Injured Reserve With Thumb Fracture
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Wednesday that running back Jordan Mason (thumb) has a small fracture in his thumb, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Mason's thumb has been fixed, but he will head to the short-term Injured Reserve, which will cause him to miss at least the next four games. The earliest that Mason will be able to return will be on Oct. 25 against the Indianapolis Colts. With Mason now sidelined, Aaron Jones Sr. will be a much more attractive starting RB for fantasy managers, with rookie Demond Claiborne being elevated into the RB2 role in Minnesota. In the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the 27-year-old Mason handled 15 carries for 59 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year as the primary backfield option for the Vikings. Mason will be back in the fold this year for Minnesota, making him stash-worthy in an IR spot until he can make his return. He is currently rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Vikings Work Out Three Running Backs with Jordan Mason Injured
The Minnesota Vikings worked out three free agent running backs on Tuesday, including veteran Jerome Ford, according to Will Ragatz of Bring Me The News. The timing of these workouts is particularly relevant, given that starting running back Jordan Mason (thumb) suffered an apparent thumb injury during Week 1. Officially, the team is calling it a sore thumb, and Mason will be evaluated in the days leading up to Week 2. However, the fact that the Vikings worked out three running backs indicates that there's a very real chance Mason isn't able to suit up this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old played less than half of the snaps in Week 1, but he still managed double-digit fantasy points with 11 carries, 59 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. If he can't suit up in Week 2, Aaron Jones would take over as the lead back.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Jordan Mason Dealing With Sore Thumb
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Jordan Mason (thumb) came into the building on Monday with a sore thumb, and the team is evaluating him, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Mason apparently banged up his thumb in the team's 39-22 Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, although it should not keep him from suiting up in another divisional contest in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old handled 15 rushing attempts for 59 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season on Sunday. Backfield mate Aaron Jones Sr. rushed three fewer times (12) for 40 yards and scored a touchdown as well, so Minnesota's backfield rotation was working to perfection in the Vikings' impressive comeback win. Mason was not targeted in the passing attack. Although the Vikings might give Mason a little rest this week, he should be practicing in full by Friday and be cleared to play this weekend.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Aaron Jones Sr. Hits Paydirt Against Old Team
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, burning his former team by scoring the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Jones drew one target but did not have a catch. All things considered, Week 1 was still a success for the veteran running back and the Vikings, who lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray (head) fewer than 10 minutes into the game and played the remainder with backup Carson Wentz. The Vikings trailed by 12 late in the third quarter before rallying for 29 consecutive points in the 39-22 win, with Jones continuing a backfield split with Jordan Mason, who drew 15 carries. The Vikings' running game could be difficult to predict if they stick with an approach that is close to 50-50 between Jones and Mason, but the team also may lean heavily on its backs if Murray misses extended time. Minnesota travels to Chicago in Week 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Mason Scores As Minnesota Surges Past Green Bay
Running back Jordan Mason played a key role in the Minnesota Vikings' emphatic comeback on Sunday, rushing 15 times for 59 yards and a tide-turning touchdown. The second-year Viking scored from four yards away in the fourth quarter to put Minnesota ahead by 10, part of a run of 29 straight points that secured a 39-22 victory. Mason continued to work in conjunction with running back Aaron Jones Sr., who rushed 12 times and also scored once. Both Mason and Jones were effective, suggesting Minnesota may split carries close to 50-50 in future weeks, which can be tricky from a fantasy perspective. With the status of quarterback Kyler Murray (head) unknown, however, the Vikings could be facing the prospect of leaning on the running game if backup Carson Wentz plays next week at Chicago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Split Backfield Limits Week 1 Potential For Aaron Jones Sr.
Managers should view Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. as an RB4 when his team plays Green Bay in Week 1. The veteran occupies a defined role as the team's preferred pass-catching option out of the backfield, which should give him some appeal in PPR leagues, but managers will have to wait to see how Minnesota splits carries this season. Backfield mate Jordan Mason certainly will take away touches, particularly valuable goal-line carries that often lead to touchdowns. Jones, however, could stealthily be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Minnesota's switch to quarterback Kyler Murray. Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner drew 3.4 targets per game playing a full season with Murray in 2024, and the Vikings' obvious strengths at wide receiver should give Jones regularly favorable matchups. Against the solid Green Bay defense, however, Jones' output likely will depend on how he fares as a receiver. He's RotoBaller's No. 39 running back to open the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Mason In Flex Consideration For Week 1
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is a possible flex option as his team begins the season by playing host to the rival Green Bay Packers. The Georgia Tech product quietly averaged 4.8 yards per carry and finished as half-PPR RB35 last season, which was impressive considering Minnesota's offense spent most of the year in the doldrums due to poor quarterback play and significant injuries on the offensive line. Mason drew rave reviews during the summer, and he could be his team's No. 1 rushing option for the first time in his career. His value will be at least partially limited by his lack of receiving ability, especially with backfield mate Aaron Jones Sr. still on the roster for that exact purpose. But with the Vikings hiring former Miami offensive coordinator Frank Smith to revamp their running game and bringing in Kyler Murray as a quarterback upgrade, Mason has 1,000-yard potential if given good health. As the favorite to also earn goal-line work, he's RotoBaller's No. 33 running back going into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Could Lose Snaps to Backfield Mate in 2026
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. is expected to split the backfield with Jordan Mason this season. Last season, Jones had 160 touches for 747 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games, while Mason had 173 touches for 809 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Mason has reportedly had a strong training camp, looks fast and explosive, and has a shot at the starting role in Minnesota. With Kyler Murray under center and a favorable schedule for running backs, both players can produce, but Mason has more workhorse upside. Jones has also missed 11 games over the last three seasons, making him a riskier option. Both will limit each other's fantasy value in a committee, but Mason's strong training camp and career efficiency give him the best chance to eventually take over this backfield.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne Unlikely to See Significant Action
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was unlikely to make a legitimate push for playing time this summer. The 22-year-old was likely always going to be a depth option after being taken in the sixth-round by the Vikings during this year's draft. Claiborne did little to impress during the preseason, and he appears to have himself locked into the RB3 role in Minnesota. There probably won't be room for much action with Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason leading the way in the running game. His only chance at seeing serious playing time would be if one of the backs goes down with an injury. He is best left on the waiver wire in redraft formats to begin the year.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
