The running back’s shoulder sprain headlines Minnesota’s injury concerns as four players show improvement heading into Sunday’s crucial matchup
The Minnesota Vikings are navigating a challenging injury situation as they prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, with running back Aaron Jones’ shoulder issue emerging as the most significant concern for the team’s offensive game plan. The latest injury report brings a mix of encouraging and worrisome news as several players progress through recovery while others remain sidelined.
Progress in the right direction
Four Vikings players demonstrated notable improvement between Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions, offering hope that Minnesota’s roster will be closer to full strength for the Baltimore matchup. Jones, who sat out Wednesday’s practice entirely due to his shoulder ailment, returned in a limited capacity on Thursday, signaling potential availability for Sunday’s contest at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Safety Theo Jackson, working his way through the concussion protocol, also participated in limited practice on Thursday after missing the previous session. His return to any level of practice activity represents an encouraging step forward as the Vikings monitor his progress closely throughout the week.
Right guard Will Fries and safety Josh Metellus both upgraded their participation levels, transitioning from limited work on Wednesday to full practice on Thursday. Fries has been managing a calf injury while Metellus deals with a foot issue, but their ability to practice without restrictions suggests they should be available for game day.
The Aaron Jones situation
Jones sustained a mild AC joint sprain during the second half of last Sunday’s victory over the Detroit Lions, an injury that now casts uncertainty over Minnesota’s offensive approach. Before exiting that game, the dynamic running back had accumulated 98 yards on his first 11 touches, demonstrating the explosive playmaking ability the Vikings would sorely miss if he cannot suit up.
Medical evaluations suggest Jones has a realistic chance of playing through the discomfort, though he is expected to receive a questionable designation on Friday’s final injury report. If he manages to complete a full practice by week’s end, he could potentially avoid that designation altogether, clearing the path for his participation against Baltimore’s defense.
Should Jones take the field, he would resume his role leading Minnesota’s backfield attack. His presence provides the Vikings with a proven offensive weapon capable of impacting the game through both rushing and receiving. However, if the shoulder proves too problematic, Jordan Mason stands ready to assume a significantly expanded workload, with Zavier Scott moving into the backup role.
In a scenario where Jones does play but remains limited, Mason would likely function as a change of pace option and short yardage specialist, providing the coaching staff with flexibility in managing Jones’ snaps and protecting his injured shoulder from unnecessary risk.
Defensive depth chart adjustments
The Vikings secondary faces its own personnel questions heading into Sunday. If Jackson fails to clear concussion protocol before game time, Jay Ward will step into the third safety position behind Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus. While Ward has logged only 61 defensive snaps this season and 126 throughout his three year career, the coaching staff has expressed confidence in his grasp of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ complex scheme.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah and tight end Josh Oliver present more concerning situations, as neither practiced Thursday for the second consecutive day. Okudah continues working through concussion protocol while Oliver nurses a foot injury, making their availability for Sunday highly doubtful. Both players missed the previous week’s game against Detroit, with veterans Fabian Moreau and Nick Vannett filling their roles admirably. Those experienced replacements will likely be called upon again.
Additional injury notes
Fullback C.J. Ham and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond both logged limited practice sessions for the second straight day. Ham sat out last week’s contest while managing a hand injury, while Redmond has been among Minnesota’s most impactful defensive players this season despite battling a shin issue.
Meanwhile, the Ravens reported a clean bill of health on their 53 man roster as of Wednesday, though updates could emerge as game day approaches.
The Vikings and Ravens will kick off at noon Central Time on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Minnesota’s injury situation remaining fluid through the final practice sessions.