The Minnesota Vikings have leaned heavily on Aaron Jones in the past four games. The 10-year veteran was expected to split carries with Jordan Mason this year. But after suffering a thumb injury in Week 1, the Vikings placed Mason on short-term injured reserve.
Since Week 2, Jones has 97 total touches, 442 yards, and a touchdown while shouldering the load. He has battled through some bumps and bruises, showing up on the injury report ahead of Week 3 with a knee injury. In Sunday's win against the Saints, Jones was evaluated for a knee injury but returned, scoring a touchdown while running 25 times for 113 yards.
Kevin O'Connell has taken notice and acknowledged Jones' toughness throughout the Vikings' 5-0 run.
"What a warrior over the last few
weeks, what he's been able to do," O'Connell said of Jones after Sunday's win. "Really, Aaron would hate for me to say this, but his ability to be a warrior on game day, find a way to make it to the next one, and then just be able to be leaned on the way he is; he's an inspiration to this group."
O'Connell believes that Jones could find some relief when the team returns from the bye week, with Mason potentially ready to return in Week 7 against the Colts.
"But his wingman, JP (Jordan Mason), is coming back," O'Connell said. "Hopefully he'll make it back after the bye, and we'll move forward."
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings HC loves what he has seen out of Aaron Jones Sr. recently
