Sport

Vikings Star RB Aaron Jones Faces Week-to-Week Setback: What Does It Mean for the Team?

2024-10-08

Author: Jessica Wong

EAGAN, Minn. -- In a concerning turn of events for the Minnesota Vikings, running back Aaron Jones has been labeled as week-to-week due to a right hip injury, as confirmed by head coach Kevin O'Connell on Tuesday.

This announcement comes just as the team prepares for its bye week following a narrow 23-17 victory over the New York Jets.

Injury Details

Jones suffered the injury in the first half of the game against New York and was unable to return. While he undergoes further evaluations, O'Connell provided a glimmer of hope, stating, “All the early information that we've got so far, it looks like we've avoided a long-term injury.” This suggests that while Jones may not be available immediately, a more serious concern has been alleviated.

Next Matchup

The big question now is whether Jones will be ready to return when the Vikings resume action in Week 7 against their divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions. If he’s unable to play, expect Ty Chandler to take over as the starting running back.

Chandler's Performance

Chandler, however, has had a challenging transition, managing only 30 yards on 14 carries against the Jets after stepping in for Jones. Notably, he had a 32-yard run that was nullified due to an illegal shift penalty against wide receiver Justin Jefferson and also suffered a costly turnover when he dropped a pitch from quarterback Sam Darnold.

Coaching Perspectives

Despite these setbacks, O'Connell remains optimistic about Chandler’s potential. "I've got a lot of confidence in Ty," O'Connell said, a testament to Chandler's abilities and the team's trust in him during this challenging time.

Looking Ahead

As the Vikings look forward to the remainder of their season, the focus will now shift to the health and recovery of Jones. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates, as his presence on the field is vital to the Vikings' success. Will Jones make a speedy recovery, or will Chandler need to rise to the occasion in these crucial upcoming games? Only time will tell!