NFLSep 25
Aaron Jones Sr. Cleared to start for Vikings against Buccaneers
Jones returned to full practice Friday after a knee concern, while Kyler Murray's return could reshape Minnesota's offensive workload.
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Jones ready for Tampa Bay
The Minnesota Vikings will have Aaron Jones Sr. Available to start Sunday on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the running back practiced fully Friday. Jones finished Minnesota's Week 2 victory over the Chicago Bears wearing a knee brace following a 23-carry outing. He missed practice Wednesday, but his return to full participation cleared the way for him to remain in the starting role. The veteran indicated that completing the Bears game had left him confident he would be available against Tampa Bay.
Workload remains uncertain
Being cleared to start does not necessarily mean Jones will match his workload from Chicago. With Kyler Murray returning to the starting lineup, Minnesota is likely to lean more heavily on its passing game. The Vikings rank No. 2 in the NFL in designed run rate at 50% after backup Carson Wentz played most of their two games. Jones' share of the work against the Buccaneers remains unsettled, though he expressed readiness for another demanding outing if needed. Veteran DeeJay Dallas and rookie Demond Claiborne are expected to provide depth behind Jones. Jordan Mason, who began the season as the primary backup, remains on injured reserve with a fractured thumb and will be unavailable for at least two more weeks.
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