Aaron Jones is getting close.
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings designated their veteran running back to return from Injured Reserve. And maybe, just maybe, that return could come on Thursday night when the Vikes take on the Los Angeles Chargers to open Week 8 on Thursday Night Football.
Jones has missed four games (and five weeks counting a bye) with a hamstring injury.
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Is Aaron Jones playing tonight?
Usually when players are designated to return from IR, opening a 21-day practice window, they take a little bit longer to get back.
But maybe it really was a month-long injury for Jones and he's ready to go.
Jones did get limited practices in on both Tuesday and Wednesday, a positive sign, and he's officially listed as questionable. If he doesn't play this week, he'll almost certainly be good to go in Week 9.
A Jones return does throw things off just a little bit in the backfield rotation.
Jordan Mason had been the ball-carrying workhorse in Jones' absence.
If Jones plays, Mason should still see double-digit carries, but he's not as surefire a reliable play in fantasy leagues.
There's also the intriguing Zavier Scott, who has been a good pass catcher with Jones out. Scott is also questionable this week.
If Jones plays, Scott probably spends most of the game on the sideline. It seems the Vikings would want to let Jones get back into the swing of things by catching some passes.
A Jones return would be a boost to a Vikings offense in need of one. Minnesota could use a primetime win to jumpstart the second half of its season.
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