Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

RB Aaron Jones Sr. Activated From Injury Reserve – How Can He Help the Vikings for Week 8 TNF Encounter vs the Chargers

Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings activated running back Aaron Jones Sr. from Injured Reserve on Thursday, setting the stage for his return against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8 Thursday Night Football. The move bolsters a Vikings offense seeking consistency and more. Let’s dive in.

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Aaron Jones Returns After Hamstring Injury

Aaron Jones, a nine-year NFL veteran, has been sidelined since Week 2 after a hamstring injury in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday, listing him as a limited participant in walkthroughs due to the short week. He was questionable on Wednesday’s injury report but was officially activated hours before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff at SoFi Stadium. To make room, Minnesota waived rookie linebacker Kobe King, who played 77 special teams snaps and three defensive snaps in five games.

In his two games this season, Jones managed to put up 13 carries for 46 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, and caught three passes for 44 yards, including a 27-yard TD reception in Week 1 against the Bears, securing a 27-24 win. This will be his third prime-time appearance of 2025. While Jones was out, Jordan Mason stepped up with 84 carries for 380 yards and 4 TDs, while Zavier Scott added 19 carries for 53 yards and eight catches for 65 yards, along with a TD.

How Jones Boosts Vikings Against Chargers

Jones’ return could spark Minnesota’s 20th-ranked rushing attack (103.8 yards avg per game). His pass-catching ability, evident in Week 1 TD, adds versatility, especially with quarterback Carson Wentz starting for Week 8 as J.J. McCarthy is still going to be absent, according to their coach Kevin O’Connell.

#Vikings RB Aaron Jones, who has been on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury, is expected to be activated and play tonight, per @KirkHerbstreit on @PatMcAfeeShow. A big lift for Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/v3KKGnozLR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2025

The Chargers’ defense has struggled, allowing 5.8 yards per carry and seven rushing TDs over their last three games and ten overall. Jones, likely on a snap count, can complement Jordan Mason’s workhorse role, enhancing red-zone efficiency where Minnesota has faltered so far. His veteran presence could tilt this 3-3 Vikings team toward an upset over the 4-3 Chargers.

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.