The Minnesota Vikings face their biggest challenge of the 2024 NFL season when they travel to Detroit to take on the Lions in a Week 18 showdown that will decide the top NFC seed in the playoffs and the winner of the division.
With so much on the line against one of the most dangerous teams in the league, the Vikings will need to be on top of their game. The two 14-2 squads have a losing record on Sunday Night Football in their franchise histories, making the game even more interesting.
A major factor in the outcome of the game will be the health of the two squads. Detroit is struggling with injuries all over their roster while the Vikings are mostly healthy entering Sunday night's momentous meeting.
Aaron Jones reveals if he will play vs. Lions in Week 18
A major question surrounding the Vikings entering the game is the health of running back Aaron Jones. Against the Packers last week, Minnesota's starting rusher went to the sideline while dealing with an injury to his quadraceps.
That ailment led to questions about his availability for Week 18. However, ESPN Minnesota Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert made it clear that Jones expects to be available for the game and will be ready for action.
Aaron Jones, who missed the end of last Sunday’s game vs Packers (quad) said he has no doubt he’s playing Sunday in Detroit. “I’ll be ready.”
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 1, 2025
Aaron Jones is having an excellent season for the Vikings. In his first season in Minnesota, the 30-year-old running back surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in a season for the fourth time in his career and has scored seven touchdowns on the year.
Having Jones available against a tough Lions team will be huge for a Vikings offense looking to keep balance and keep up with Detroit's explosive unit. A viable running threat will force the opposition to play an honest defense and help to open up opportunities in the passing game.
Jones was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was a full participant on Friday according to the team's official injury report. Three Vikings players received a designation for Sunday night's game, but Jones was not one of them.
Expect Aaron Jones to take the field with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. He is ready for action and can hopefully help to get the purple and gold a division title, the top seed in the NFC, and a bye in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.