Vikings activate RB Aaron Jones off IR for Chargers game

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has been activated from injured reserve prior to the team's game against the host Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday.

Jones was listed as questionable to play after missing the Vikings' last four games due to a hamstring injury. Minnesota officially opened his 21-day practice window to return on Tuesday, but didn't hold a full practice this week due to the quick turnaround.

Jones, 30, had 13 carries for 46 yards and three receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown in two games this season. He was injured in Minnesota's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 14.

Jordan Mason, 26, has fared well in his absence, rushing for 282 yards and four touchdowns over the last four games.

Jones started all 17 regular-season games in his first season in Minnesota in 2024 and rushed 255 times for 1,138 yards -- both career highs -- and five TDs. He also caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two scores.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2020, Jones has rushed for 7,124 yards and 50 TDs and caught 326 passes for 2,528 yards and 21 scores in 116 regular-season games (104 starts) for the Green Bay Packers (2017-23) and Vikings. He has 559 rushing yards and seven TDs, and 214 receiving yards and one score in eight playoff games (all starts).

Jones was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of UTEP.

To create a spot on the roster for Jones, the Vikings waived rookie linebacker Kobe King, who has played just three defensive snaps over five games this season.

--Field Level Media