Most assumed the first Minnesota Vikings injury report of the week before the team's big game against the Detroit Lions was going to feature Aaron Jones after the veteran running back suffered what was believed to be a hip injury in Week 5.
However, the first Vikings injury report of the week actually revealed that Jones isn't currently dealing with a hip injury. Instead, Minnesota has the running back listed on its injury report with a hamstring injury.
First #Vikings injury report of the week pic.twitter.com/irs1LDRpwY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 16, 2024
What does the first Minnesota Vikings injury report of Week 7 say about the chances of Aaron Jones playing vs. the Detroit Lions?
Now that we know Jones actually has a hamstring injury and not a hip injury, his timetable to return could be much different.
Hamstring injuries are unpredictable and can sometimes take multiple months for players to recover from (see Justin Jefferson last season). But Jones said on Wednesday that he's going to attempt to practice on Thursday, so the Vikings should have a better idea about his status for Sunday after that.
Based on how Minnesota has approached hamstring injuries in the past with Jefferson and other players, they'll likely keep their top running back out of action this weekend unless they believe there is a very small chance of his injury worsening during the matchup.
If Jones doesn't play against Detroit on Sunday, then it's probably safe to assume that he won't suit up for the Vikings game in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams either. Minnesota's matchup against the Rams will be on a Thursday night, so just four days after the Vikings face the Lions.
It will be disappointing if Jones doesn't play against Detroit on Sunday, as the result could have big implications on seeding in the NFC playoff bracket later this season. But Minnesota would probably rather have its top running back healthy for the postseason than for a game in the middle of their schedule that can still win without him.