Jordan Mason Injured Reserve
Vikings Place Leading Rusher Jordan Mason On Injured Reserve Following Thumb Surgery
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Key Points
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Coach Kevin O’Connell said Mason’s injury was first noticed Monday morning, and additional testing determined that reparative surgery was necessary. O’Connell added, “The good news is that we’ll have Jordan back.”
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Mason and Aaron Jones had nearly identical workloads in the opener: Mason played 30 offensive snaps compared with Jones’ 29, indicating Minnesota had planned to use the two backs in a balanced rotation before Mason’s injury.
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Minnesota emphasized the run against Green Bay, rushing 34 times while attempting 24 passes, but Mason’s 28-yard late-game run significantly lifted an otherwise inefficient 3.6-yards-per-carry average.
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The Vikings’ next opponent, Chicago, scored 59 points in its season opener, adding urgency to Minnesota’s need to replace Mason while also dealing with uncertainty at quarterback.
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Mason joined the Vikings in a March 2025 trade with San Francisco and had a breakout 2025 season as a complementary back, recording career highs of 159 carries, 758 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The Minnesota Vikings placed running back Jordan Mason on short-term injured reserve after surgery repaired a fractured thumb suffered in Week 1. Mason will miss at least four games but could return as early as Week 7 following the team's bye. Coach O'Connell said, "The good news is that we'll have Jordan back."
Mason led the Vikings with 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over Green Bay. Aaron Jones is expected to shoulder more carries, while the team added DeeJay Dallas and signed Jerome Ford to the practice squad. The Vikings also face uncertainty at quarterback with Kyler Murray in the concussion protocol.
Mason's Injury Discovered Monday Morning
Coach Kevin O'Connell discovered Mason's fractured thumb during Monday morning testing and determined surgery was necessary. O'Connell emphasized the injury's silver lining, telling reporters the Vikings will have their starting back available soon. Mason underwent the procedure and began recovery immediately.
Aaron Jones Steps Into Larger Role
Mason and Jones shared nearly identical workloads in Week 1. Mason played 30 offensive snaps versus Jones' 29, showing Minnesota planned a balanced two-back rotation. Jones will now assume a larger share of carries while Mason recovers from thumb surgery over the next month.
The Vikings rushed 34 times against Green Bay while passing just 24 times, emphasizing ground control. Mason's 28-yard late-game run significantly boosted his statistics in an otherwise inefficient performance. Minnesota rushed for just 3.6 yards per carry overall in the opener.
Chicago Bears Present Urgent Challenge Ahead
The Vikings face the Chicago Bears in Week 2 after Chicago scored 59 points in its season opener. The explosive offensive showing adds pressure to Minnesota's backfield uncertainty. Losing Mason immediately creates a void the Vikings must fill quickly against a dynamic opponent.
Mason joined the Vikings in a March 2025 trade from San Francisco. He recorded a breakout 2025 season as a complementary back with 159 carries, 758 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His early injury threatens Minnesota's balanced offensive approach after one week of action.
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