Vikings running back Aaron Jones expected to play against Lions

Jones is listed as questionable for the game due to a hamstring injury.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) runs for a gain against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. / Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who’s listed as questionable for Sunday afternoon’s game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, is expected to play, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Vikings RB Aaron Jones, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a hamstring injury, is expected to play vs. the Lions, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 20, 2024

Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury since the Vikings’ Week 5 game against the New York Jets in London and was a limited participant in practices on Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's practice due to the injury.

Jones exited the game against the Jets and did not return, and Minnesota's offense struggled in his absence. Without their leading rusher, the Vikings totaled just 253 yards of offense in the game, including 82 on the ground. With Jones' status uncertain for the game, the Vikings looked to bolster their backfield this week by trading with the Houston Texans for running back Cam Akers, who has some familiarity with the offense having spent part of last season in Minnesota.

Jones, who signed with the Vikings this offseason, is undoubtedly the lead back for the Vikings and has been effective on the ground and a key engine of the offense. Jones has 71 carries for 350 yards and a touchdown as well as 17 receptions for 167 yards and a score through five games this season, helping the Vikings to a perfect 5-0 start.