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When will Aaron Jones return and play? Will Aaron Jones be back again this season? Read the latest Aaron Jones Sr. injury updates and return date for Week 6 (2025).
After a productive debut season in Minnesota, Aaron Jones Sr. carried solid low-end RB2 value heading into 2025 drafts as he was projected to maintain a similar role this upcoming season.
However, in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, Jones exited early with a hamstring injury. He has not played since, and we are now heading into Week 6 of the NFL season.
When will Aaron Jones Sr. return to action, and what is his fantasy football outlook when he does? Let's dive in.
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Aaron Jones Sr. Injury Update
Following the Week 2 matchup against the Falcons, the veteran RB was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Jones has now missed Weeks 3, 4, and 5, with the Vikings' Week 6 bye providing additional recovery time.
Jones is targeting a Week 8 return and appears to be on track to come back when first eligible. His earliest possible return date is Thursday Night Football on October 23, when the Vikings visit SoFi Stadium and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Under the NFL's IR rules, Jones must miss four complete games. With Minnesota's bye in Week 6 (which doesn't count toward the requirement), Jones will sit out Week 7 before becoming eligible in Week 8. The timing of the bye has actually worked in his favor, giving him over a full month to heal rather than rushing back after exactly four games.
Aaron Jones on the lead block for JJ 💪
ATLvsMIN on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/9MtrSvAgei— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2025
Given Jones' extensive history with hamstring injuries throughout his career, the Vikings have taken a cautious approach. Recent reports suggest he's eyeing that Week 8 return, but there's no guarantee -- especially with Jordan Mason's dominant performance in his absence.
Aaron Jones Sr. Fantasy Football Outlook
The big question isn't just when Jones returns, but what role awaits him when he does. During the first two games of the season, Jones already appeared to have a reduced role compared to 2024. In Week 1, Jones had just eight carries for 23 yards and was targeted three times, catching all three for 44 yards and a touchdown.
With Jones' limited rushing role, even when healthy, Mason has seized control of the backfield. Mason outcarried Jones 15-8 in Week 1 and has been more efficient overall, averaging 4.1 yards per carry compared to Jones' 3.5 before the injury.
TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS! 🏈
Jordan Mason follows up a 14-yard run with a short dash for six! 👏 pic.twitter.com/ikM2hczyBv
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) October 5, 2025
Mason's breakout came in Week 3 when he exploded for 116 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. He's continued performing at a high level and has firmly established himself as Minnesota's lead back.
With Mason thriving in the feature role, Jones will almost certainly be eased back into action. The Vikings have no incentive to rush their 30-year-old veteran back into a heavy workload, especially on a short week (Thursday Night Football) for his first game back.
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Popular Week 6 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 6 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Cam Skattebo, D'Andre Swift, David Montgomery, Chase Brown, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kareem Hunt compared to others:
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