The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off the season with a perfect 5-0 record. After a victory over the New York Jets in London during Week 5, the team headed into their bye week undefeated and firmly in control of the NFC North. While Vikings fans have plenty to celebrate, the team did face some setbacks. Running back Aaron Jones sustained a right hip injury that led to his early exit from the Week 5 game. However, following the game, the Vikings received encouraging news: Jones’s injury is less serious than initially thought and has now been reclassified as a hamstring strain. He was deemed week-to-week after returning from London, and the bye week has given him extra time to recover.
The veteran running back indicated that he plans to practice on Thursday, with the team set to assess his readiness for their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Lions as the week progresses. Jones reported that his right hamstring tightened up during warmups in Week 5 but felt better by kickoff. Unfortunately, after a 23-yard reception in the first quarter, his hamstring flared up, leading to his removal from the game.
Backup RB Ty Chandler stepped in for Jones, managing 30 yards on 14 carries against the Jets. If Jones is unable to play in Week 7, Chandler is likely to start. Additionally, the team bolstered their running back depth by acquiring Cam Akers in a trade with the Houston Texans; Akers appeared in six games with Minnesota last season.
