Minnesota Vikings Get Running Back Jordan Mason Back After Thumb Injury

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason returns to action© X/@Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. had carried much of the Minnesota Vikings' rushing workload during their unbeaten start, but the running back finally had another option ready to share the pressure. Jordan Mason returned to the active roster Saturday, giving Minnesota a healthy backfield partner ahead of its Week 7 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old missed four games after fracturing his thumb in the season opener. Head coach Kevin O'Connell also saw another proven runner in Mason who could take on a larger role and remained an important part of the plan.

Jordan Mason set to return against the Indianapolis Colts

Minnesota activated Mason from injured reserve after he completed a full week of practice without setbacks. The move came ahead of Sunday's home game against Indianapolis, with the Vikings looking to keep their running game productive without putting too much on Jones.

Mason needed only one appearance this season to show what he could bring. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, he rushed 15 times for 59 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota's 39-22 win. The Vikings later discovered a small fracture in his thumb, and surgery kept him out for the next four games.

Coach Kevin O'Connell had been eager to see Mason back alongside Jones.

 Speaking Friday, he said, “My excitement to see him paired with Aaron, and how we go about the usage there, is going to be an exciting thing because we feel so confident in both of them.”

The coach's comments pointed toward a workload rather than a return to Mason as the lead back. ESPN's analysis suggested the Vikings could use a near-even split against the Colts, although Mason might need another week or two to reclaim a larger share of the carries.

Aaron Jones gets help after carrying the Vikings' ground game

Jones had shouldered most of Minnesota's rushing work since Mason's injury. He recorded 85 carries for 370 yards from Week 2 onward, including a 113-yard performance and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. He briefly left that game with a knee injury before returning.

Mason's arrival gave O'Connell more room to manage those demands. The running back rushed for 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries in 2025, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. His downhill running style offered Minnesota another option on early downs and in short-yardage situations.

Mason's return did not automatically make him the best choice on every passing down. He allowed 11 pressures over 65 pass-blocking snaps last season. He caught 14 passes for 51 yards, too, suggesting the Vikings could use Jones more often on third downs and in passing situations.

Minnesota brought back DeeJay Dallas, releasing him from the 53-man roster before signing him to the practice squad and elevating him for Sunday's game.