The Minnesota Vikings' decision to elevate DeeJay Dallas from the practice squad Saturday is a clear sign they don't want to push Aaron Jones too hard against Detroit. Jones carries no injury designation into Sunday's NFC North matchup, but adding Dallas gives Kevin O'Connell another veteran option while Minnesota manages Jones' recently aggravated knee.
Jones suffered the setback during Minnesota's Week 7 win over Indianapolis, with Jordan Mason handling the larger rushing workload upon his return from injured reserve. Jones carried eight times for 26 yards before leaving the game.
His outlook has improved considerably since then. Jones didn't practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday, and returned to full participation Friday. The 10-year veteran appears on track to play, but Dallas' elevation suggests the Vikings are still preparing for the possibility of a reduced workload or another in-game issue.
Dallas brings considerable NFL experience. Seattle selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he spent four seasons with the Seahawks before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. He split 2025 between the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars before landing with Minnesota this season.
Through six NFL seasons and 90 appearances, Dallas has 127 carries for 548 yards and four touchdowns, along with 68 receptions for 441 yards and two scores. He has also returned 89 kickoffs for 2,254 yards and a touchdown, plus 39 punts for 367 yards.
Minnesota Vikings still have another DeeJay Dallas elevation available
Minnesota initially elevated Dallas for Week 1, then signed him to the 53-man roster after Mason landed on injured reserve. Dallas remained there until the Vikings released him when Mason returned in October. Minnesota immediately re-signed Dallas to its practice squad and elevated him for Week 7 against Indianapolis.
Because Dallas had been released from the active roster and re-signed to the practice squad, his standard elevation allowance reset. His elevation for the Lions game is his second since that move, leaving Minnesota with one more before the Vikings would need to sign him back to the 53-man roster to use him again under the standard elevation process.
For now, Dallas is more insurance than a threat to Jones' role. He isn't expected to command significant offensive touches unless circumstances change. O'Connell recently praised Dallas for his pass protection and special teams work, and that's where he'll be most valuable for now. Mason can absorb early-down work and help the Vikings avoid putting unnecessary mileage on Jones in a critical divisional game.
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