Vikings Announce Return of Another Key Player

On Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers the Minnesota Vikings will be looking to get back in the win column. For a team sitting at 3-3, it’s hard not to feel like the weight of a slipping season is starting to set in.

Carson Wentz was named the starting quarterback for the contest on Tuesday, and that means J.J. McCarthy will miss yet another week. There is some positive injury news as veteran running back Aaron Jones is back in the fold.

Aaron Jones returns to practice for Minnesota Vikings

As was the case for Blake Cashman last week, the Minnesota Vikings have opened the 21-day practice window for veteran running back Aaron Jones. He was the starter to begin the season, but will seemingly assume the 1B role behind Jordan Mason.

The #Vikings are opening RB Aaron Jones' 21-day practice window and he potentially could play as soon as Thursday night vs. the Chargers.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 21, 2025

Jones was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury that occurred in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. Last season with Minnesota, he was the healthiest of his career and played in all 17 regular season games.

Mason already has a career-high four touchdowns this season and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Jones played in just the first two games of the season and logged 46 yards on 13 carries.

The tandem works well together in that Jones and Mason have two substantially different styles. Jones will also get the opportunity to run behind the most complete version of the offensive line since the season began.

Minnesota’s offense has been disjointed for a multitude of reasons this season. Of course they intended to have J.J. McCarthy under center, but they have not had consistent line play, and have been without starting wide receiver Jordan Addison as well.

If Jones is active on Thursday night, the Vikings will have their full complement of skill position players for the first time all season. Carson Wentz will need to lead the group and put those players in the best positions to succeed.

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a loss against Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts. Jim Harbaugh’s team has lost three-of-four and Minnesota must take advantage of the opportunity.