Vikings backfield injury crisis
Minnesota Vikings face significant running back injury concerns ahead of Sunday matchup against Tampa Bay
Anonymous
The 2-0 Minnesota Vikings could be short-handed in the backfield for Sunday’s game against the 0-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Aaron Jones is dealing with a knee injury after carrying a heavy workload last week, while Jordan Mason is on injured reserve and DeeJay Dallas has a toe injury; Minnesota has added practice-squad depth as it monitors the injuries. Kyler Murray is expected to return at quarterback, and his mobility could help, but further injuries along the offensive line could complicate the situation. Tampa Bay’s run defense has been a relative strength, giving the Buccaneers a potential advantage if Minnesota cannot field its top running backs.
Key Points
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Minnesota’s receivers beyond Justin Jefferson have contributed just two catches for 27 yards through the first two games, both by Jordan Addison—an additional question mark for the offense heading into Week 3.
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Tampa Bay also has injury and health concerns: rookie defenders Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter are dealing with injuries, while quarterback Baker Mayfield is working through an illness.
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Alongside Aaron Jones, punter Brett Thorson missed practice, and Minnesota signed defensive lineman Jonathan Harris to its practice squad.
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One article argues Minnesota could have added more running-back help in the draft: it passed on Emmett Johnson, who had already recorded 10 carries and four receptions for 64 yards with Kansas City, while fifth-round pick Demond Claiborne had struggled to get on the field.
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