Aaron Jones' availability could leave the Minnesota Vikings carrying four running backs when the 53-man roster is set later this month. At 31, Jones remains the group's best option on passing downs, but his injury history makes a three-back setup much harder to trust.
Jordan Mason can handle the early-down work, though his receiving and pass-protection limitations narrow his role. Rookie Demond Claiborne has ball-security and catching questions, leaving Xavier Scott with a role the other backups haven't handled reliably during camp.
Scott's path to RB4 could come at the expense of a 10th offensive lineman, potentially leaving Minnesota one blocker lighter when the roster is trimmed. Minnesota can't assume Jones will take every third-down snap, especially after a 2025 hamstring injury sent him to injured reserve and opened work for Mason.
Nolan Teasley could look outside if the Minnesota Vikings' backups fall short
SKOR North's Thor Nystrom didn't sugarcoat the issue while discussing Mason on the "Purple Daily" podcast: “He stinks on pass downs. He doesn't catch the ball well. He's not a great pass blocker.”
Mason's running style fits an offense that needs better production on the ground. A missed pickup on third-and-7 can get a quarterback hit, push the offense off the field and erase the value of the previous two downs.
Claiborne has a more urgent issue to fix before the Vikings even think about expanding his role. Nystrom wondered whether the rookie's catching trouble, combined with Mason's limitations and Jones' availability, “could improve the odds” that Scott sticks as a fourth back because he can function on pass downs.
Judd Zulgad agreed, and his concern went directly to Jones. “I think we all love the guy. He's great in the locker room, and if he's healthy, he's a good player still, for his age."
Jones gives Minnesota a useful, trusted and popular veteran, but the team has already needed Mason to carry a larger load. Jones' uncertain standing entering 2026 helps explain why Scott's receiving ability could beat out extra depth elsewhere.
Claiborne's immediate assignment is simpler. Zulgad said Minnesota may be stripping responsibilities away until he secures the football, adding, “if you can't hang on to the football carrying it, your speed means nothing.”
General manager Nolan Teasley could shop the free-agent or trade market if none of the backs settle the pass-down job. He was no stranger to making trades as the assistant general manager in Seattle, so nobody should be surprised if he makes calls before sacrificing that 10th lineman.
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