The Minnesota Vikings are starting their preparations for their Week 7 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium, and they could be getting some reinforcements in the backfield.
The team announced that running back Jordan Mason has been designated to return to team practice, opening his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Mason was placed on IR by the Vikings a day after their season-opening win against the Green Bay Packers, when he suffered a thumb injury that required surgery. Mason led the team in rushing that afternoon with 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. With the Vikings having a bye this past week, he’s had five full weeks to recover from the injury, so it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the team have him back in time for Sunday’s game against the Colts.
In Mason’s absence, Aaron Jones has had a heavy workload in the Vikings’ backfield. Jones surpassed 100-yards twice in the first five games of the season and is currently tenth in the NFL in rushing yardage. If Mason can return and stay on the field, he should form a very solid tandem with Jones and help keep both fresh for the rest of the season.
We’ll keep an eye on Jordan Mason’s situation as the Vikings prepare for Sunday’s game, but here’s hoping we see #27 lining up in Minnesota’s backfield this weekend for the first time since the regular season opener.