Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Getty
Jordan Mason #27 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the Chicago Bears.
The Minnesota Vikings entered the season hoping to support their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, with the running back tandem of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Two weeks in, and the Vikings have lost McCarthy or Jones to injuries, which bodes well for Mason.
McCarthy picked up an ankle injury that will sideline him at least two weeks, and possibly through the Vikings’ Week 6 bye.
The Vikings’ injury situation snowballed on Monday as they placed Jones on injured reserve.
Jordan Mason Poised to Lead Vikings’ Backfield After Aaron Jones Injury
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJordan Mason #27 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts while playing against the Chicago Bears.
The Vikings acquired Mason in an offseason trade with the San Francisco 49ers, adding the former undrafted free agent to Jones, who had a career year in 2024 and re-signed on a two-year, $20 million contract.
Mason received a two-year, $10.5 million extension after the trade. He has gotten off to a solid start, rushing for 98 yards on his 24 carries, adding another 15 yards on three receptions.
Now, Mason steps into a featured role for the Vikings.
“The #Vikings are placing starting RB Aaron Jones on injured reserve, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero reported on X on September 16. “Jones was ruled out of Sunday’s game because of a hamstring injury. Now he’s out for at least four more games.
“Jordan Mason has 24 carries over the first two games and now becomes RB1. The team is also bringing back Cam Akers on the practice squad.”
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert confirmed Mason is expected to receive the “bulk” of the backfield work.
Vikings Dealt Blow, Reality Check With Aaron Jones Injury
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
GettyAaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jones’ extension and absence are two blows for the Vikings, who saw the 2020 Pro Bowler set career highs with 255 carries for 1,138 yards, crossing the goal line five times. They also got a rare 17-game season from Jones.
The former Green Bay Packers star has logged two full regular-season slates in his career. The first time was in 2022.
Jones finished Week 2 with 23 yards on five carries and had an 8-23-0 line in Week 1.
The Vikings had tapped into Jones’ receiving ability, with the veteran tallying three receptions for 44 yards, and will miss that with Mason stepping in. Akers and fellow backup Zavier Scott could see work in the passing game.
The Vikings still have reason to lean on their running game, with fill-in QB1 Carson Wentz less than one month into his tenure and stepping in for McCarthy.
Jordan Mason Turned Heads
Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
GettyKevin Byard III #31 of the Chicago Bears makes a tackle on Jordan Mason #27 of the Minnesota Vikings.
Mason’s production was one thing, but he has also impressed during the Vikings’ first two games for reasons that do not show up on the stat sheet.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes praised Mason’s pass protection in Week 1 on “Monday Night Football” against the Chicago Bears. The back also had 68 yards on 15 carries in the contest, a 27-24 comeback win.
In six career starts with the 49ers, Mason rushed for 544 yards and 2 TDs on 104 carries.
That is 90.7 yards on 17.3 carries per game, which would rank fourth and eighth, respectively, this season. Mason’s first start for the Vikings is against the Cincinnati Bengals.