The state of play for the Minnesota Vikings at running back can be summed up in one Monday tweet from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert: “Kevin O’Connell says Aaron Jones Sr. was sore but OK after shouldering most of the RB load yesterday. But O’Connell and GM Nolan Teasley will talk about personnel options as Jordan Mason remains on IR for 3 more weeks.”
Jones will probably be just fine, but in the past, his production has dipped when he’s hobbled.
So, what exactly can the Vikings do at running back? Here’s a look.
Five Ways Minnesota Can Handle a Thin Backfield
5. Kareem Hunt Is Out There for Exactly These Situations
As of late, this guy exists for precisely these situations. The only problem? There’s no real tie between any Vikings coaches or executives and Hunt. Right now, he’s theoretical.
Minnesota already knows Mason will miss at least three more games. Hunt wouldn’t arrive to save the offense, but he would absorb carries. At 31, Minnesota would buy experience without asking a newcomer to become RB1 overnight. If the Vikings decide Jones needs a lighter workload until Mason returns, Hunt is exactly the kind of temporary veteran solution that makes sense.
Every time he’s signed in these scenarios, he plays well. It’s just a matter of fact.
4. The Cam Akers Angle
The universe is begging for this to happen; let’s just stop kidding ourselves.
Akers will forever be an obvious name whenever the Vikings need a running back because, somehow, this relationship keeps reuniting. Akers has multiple stops with Minnesota and knows Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He would show up without the usual crash course a midseason veteran needs.
Seattle released Akers in April, so he is available. The appeal is familiarity more than upside. Minnesota knows what he can do, and Akers already understands the terminology. He also has experience handling a workload when injuries strike. The Vikings have gone back to this well before for a reason. He’s efficient, and he blocks in pass protection.
If Jones is healthy enough to play but Minnesota wants another trustworthy body behind him, bringing Akers back yet again would feel like another chapter in a running joke – – in a good way. Bring him home.
3. Elevating Jerome Ford
The Vikings may already have a sweet fix on their practice squad, and his name rhymes with Ferome Jord.
General manager Nolan Teasley signed Ford after Mason went on injured reserve, but didn’t elevate him for the Chicago game. That could change fast if the Vikings decide Jones should not handle another 20-plus carries in Tampa.
Ford also brings more NFL production than a typical practice squad emergency option. He has 1,463 rushing yards since entering the league in 2022 and has shown he can handle meaningful touches. More importantly, the Vikings have already spent a week teaching him the offense. That extra time is now useful.
Of all the possible moves, elevating him would be the easiest response to a delicate backfield.
2. Leaning into Demond Claiborne
It’s clear the Vikings don’t trust Claiborne all the way yet; he was a healthy scratch against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, and when Minnesota needed an RB2 at Chicago, it largely leaned on DeeJay Dallas.
That does not mean they should keep waiting forever. Claiborne ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash coming out of Wake Forest and brings a burst the veteran options do not quite match. The bigger question is whether O’Connell trusts him with the less glamorous parts of the job, especially pass protection. Claiborne also doesn’t break many tackles. As a rookie, he’s a one-trick pony, and that trick is speed galore.
Week 3 could become Claiborne’s first real audition if the Vikings need an alternate tailback. They drafted him for a reason, right?
1. Sharing RB1 Workload between Jones, DeeJay Dallas
With Jones hobbled – – assuming Akers is not signed this week – – the most sensible solution is a lessened workload for the RB1 and a spike for Dallas, who’s becoming a bit of a folk hero in the Twin Cities.
Jones was tremendous in Chicago with 105 yards on 23 carries. With the soreness, the Vikings may want to be smart about how much they ask of him.
Dallas handled only eight offensive snaps against the Bears. He still turned two carries into eight yards and caught a 12-yard pass, which is enough to justify a few more opportunities if Minnesota wants Jones closer to the 14-to-16-touch range. Dallas doesn’t have to be a bellcow.
If Jones remains available for Tampa Bay, a larger Dallas role may be the simplest – – and best – – solution of all.
───────────── ─────────────
VikesNow Verdict: Ford is already on the team, Claiborne deserves a longer look, and Dallas can handle more work. A veteran signing should be Plan B.
───────────── ─────────────
About The Author
