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Minnesota Vikings running back depth and injury updates

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-07 20:38 UTC → 2026-10-23 23:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Minnesota Vikings continue to navigate a backfield crisis driven by injuries. While veteran running back Aaron Jones was previously sidelined with a knee injury, head coach Kevin O’Connell has confirmed that Jones will be active for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he remains limited in practice to manage the injury. The team’s depth remains a significant concern. Jordan Mason is currently on injured reserve following thumb surgery, and backup DeeJay Dallas is also managing a toe injury. To mitigate these shortages, the Vikings are increasingly reliant on practice squad players and depth options. Jerome Ford, a former fifth-round pick, was initially considered a primary candidate to be elevated from the practice squad to provide relief alongside rookie Demond Claiborne. To further bolster the roster, the Vikings signed former New Orleans Saints running backs Devin Neal and Audric Estime to the practice squad. Neal, a former standout at Kansas and a 2025 sixth-round pick, joins the team following an injury settlement with New Orleans, while Estime, a 2024 fifth-round pick, was added after being waived by the Saints. The team also announced practice squad signings for punter Johnny Hekker, outside linebacker Keshawn Banks, and offensive lineman Josh Priebe. As the team prepares for Week 5, the running game continues to face challenges with Mason remaining on injured reserve, placing an increased workload on 32-year-old Aaron Jones Sr. This ongoing shortage has led to speculation regarding a potential trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor before the November 10 deadline, though obstacles such as Taylor’s recent contract extension and the Colts’ standing remain factors. By Week 7, the roster situation has begun to shift as Jordan Mason is expected to return to the active roster after spending four games on injured reserve due to a thumb fracture.

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