Vikings RB Returns for Another Failed Draft Pick

The Minnesota Vikings are set to square off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football. Carson Wentz will be under center and the hope is that J.J. McCarthy can return to action next weekend against the Detroit Lions.

Veteran running back Aaron Jones had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week after missing a month due to a hamstring injury. He’s now set to make his return to the 53-man roster.

Aaron Jones back for Minnesota Vikings

The only thing left for the Minnesota Vikings to guarantee the return of Aaron Jones on Thursday Night Football was to elevate him to the 53-man roster. That happened on Thursday afternoon, and he’ll be back in action for Carson Wentz.

Activating Aaron Jones cost the Vikings 2025 NFL Draft pick Kobe King. King was a 6th round pick for the Vikings in April, and he had appeared in five games for Minnesota this season. With just three snaps on defense, King’s more substantial exposure happened on special teams.

It’s possible that King clears waivers and lands back with the Vikings on the practice squad. Guard Henry Byrd has been elevated to the active roster for Thursday Night Football. That may be an ominous addition to the roster with a level of uncertainty surrounding left tackle Christian Darrisaw.

Aaron Jones returns to the lineup with 13 carries and 47 yards to his credit thus far this season. He played in just the first two games of the season, and will pair with Jordan Mason in the backfield. Kevin O’Connell can utilize the tandem, and their different skillsets, to keep the Chargers off balance.

Minnesota must grab a victory if they want to stay above .500 through the first eight weeks of the season. This is the toughest part of the Vikings schedule, and Kevin O’Connell needs his team to keep showing up on a weekly basis if they are going to keep playoff hopes alive.