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Aaron Jones Sr.
RB · MIN

Aaron Jones Sr.

Position RB
Team MIN
Bye Week 6
PPR Rank #101

Aaron Jones Sr.

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: MIN.

Quick Facts

  • Position: RB
  • Team: MIN (Minnesota Vikings)
  • Bye week (2026): 6
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 101

2026 Outlook

Aaron Jones is at a crossroads in Minnesota heading into 2026. At 31 years old and coming off his worst season (limited to just 12 games played), Jones faces significant pressure from Jordan Mason for the Vikings' starting RB role. While Jones was the assumed starter in early offseason projections, Sports Illustrated's training camp preview shifts the narrative: Mason is favored to win the competition, though "far from a lock" given his own limitations (struggling to separate from Jones during 2025). (per Key NFL Training Camp Battles For Fantasy Football Owners To Watch: TreVeyon Henderson Will Look To Breakout)

With Kyler Murray's arrival, the Vikings have a clearer offensive identity, and the backfield will see committee usage if neither back convincingly wins out. However, his role is threatened by a crowded depth chart: rookie Demond Claiborne, signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest, brings pass-catching ability and return skills. The Vikings typically keep three or four running backs in September, meaning Jones is a roster lock but could see his snap share fluctuate if Mason separates or Claiborne develops quickly. Fantasy outlook depends on resolution of this battle during August practices. (per The Complete Summer Storyline Guide for the Vikings).

Efficiency gap widens in training camp (July 2026): As training camp began, Mason's advantage became quantifiable. Mason produced 758 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, significantly outproducing Jones' 548 yards on 4.2 yards per carry. The efficiency disparity, coupled with Jones entering his age-32 season, suggests Mason will capture the majority of early-down work if both remain healthy (per Demond Claiborne Could Climb the Vikings' Crowded Running Back Depth Chart).

July 15 fantasy fade (FantraxHQ): Mike Reedy flags Aaron Jones Sr. at his current 9th-to-10th-round ADP as a "moderate fade," citing his age (31) and potential disadvantage against Jordan Mason in the backfield competition. Jones remains a proven veteran who can run, catch passes, and contribute, but he may already be behind Mason for early-down and goal-line work—leaving him dependent on receptions. Reedy's verdict: "A cheap player can still be a bad investment. Fade Jones as a presumed value. Target Mason or a younger upside back instead" (per 8 RB Fades for Fantasy Football in 2026).

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Aaron's role

Kevin O'ConnellHead CoachChris O'HaraAssistant Offensive CoordinatorWes PhillipsOffensive CoordinatorCurtis ModkinsRunning Game Coordinator/Running BacksRyan NielsenDefensive Running Game CoordinatorDerek WarehimeAssistant Offensive LineKeith CarterOffensive Line