Questions Answered: Aaron Jones’ Injury, Top Bye Week Storyline, Worry over the Last 2 Games
John Jones-Imagn Images
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the October 7th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Questions Answered: Aaron Jones’ Injury, Top Bye Week Storyline, Worry over the Last 2 Games
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Q: How long will Aaron Jones be out?
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) does a Lambeau Leap with fans following a 31-29 victory against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Answer: Hopefully zero games.
Courtesy of Pro Football Talk, the early Jones update sounded quite favorable.
“The veteran left Sunday’s 23-17 win over the Jets with a hip injury,” Mike Florio wrote late Sunday. “Initially, he was questionable to return. Then, he was ruled out. Initial word is that, by the time the Vikings return to action after their Week 6 bye, Jones should be good to go. They need him.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about Jones’ hip after the win, “Keeping my fingers crossed that hopefully will be short term.”
Until more develops, Vikings fans should not be paranoid about Jones’ hip ailment as long term.
Q: What’s the top Vikings storyline you’re monitoring during the bye week?
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Answer: The return dates for T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones.
If Jones does miss a game or two, well, Minnesota desperately needs Hockenson in the middle of the field to take some pressure off the other offensive targets. Sunday’s win over the Jets vivified that. It’s actually quite remarkable that Hockenson’s return feels like gravy for an offense that has hummed for 4.5 games.
Jones, to be sure, is the straw that stirs the drink and keeps opposing secondaries honest.
Regarding other storylines, the trade market will heat up in about two weeks. The deadline is Election Day (November 5th), and this version of Vikings prefers trades right before or on the deadline day.
Q: Are you worried at all about the Vikings making the last two games close?
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Answer: No.
We still view the 2024 Vikings as a team with a 6.5-win forecast heading into the season — that is ahead of its timeline. It’s no surprise to us at all that games against the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets tightened up in the 2nd Half. Those are good clubs, and close games versus talented teams are the nature of the beast.
Of course, if you somehow fully expect Minnesota to win a Super Bowl in February, then perhaps the last two games are quasi-alarming. Yet, playoff football teams find ways to win ugly. Nobody cares when the Chiefs survive and advance, for example.
We’re elated with the 5-0 start and have no big grivances. Close games are mandatory in the NFL.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
