Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Offers Positive Aaron Jones Injury Update for Titans Matchup Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided a significant update on star running back Aaron Jones’ condition.
The Vikings are set to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday as they try to keep up with the surging Detroit Lions in the NFC North. However, their hard-fought victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which improved their record to 7-2, came at a price. Quarterback Sam Darnold had a rough outing with three interceptions, and Aaron Jones was carted off the field due to a rib injury.
Despite the alarming moment, head coach O’Connell shared a positive outlook regarding Jones’ condition. ESPN’s Minnesota Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert relayed that O’Connell stated Jones would likely be limited in practice but should be available to play against Tennessee.
The Vikings Eye NFC’s Top Seed Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) finds a gap during the second quarter of an NFL game on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Vikings secured a 12-7 win over the Jaguars. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images This update is crucial for a team that has had an unexpectedly strong season. The Vikings entered the year with modest expectations due to uncertainty at the quarterback position. Thankfully, Sam Darnold exceeded those expectations, guiding the team to an impressive 5-0 start. However, the Vikings have since cooled off, posting a 2-2 record over the last four games.
Jones has been a key part of Minnesota’s top ten offense, accumulating 653 rushing yards by Week 10. He has participated in all nine games for his new team this season. With six very winnable matchups ahead, the Vikings will need Jones healthy and effective to maintain their pace in the NFC North.
More Vikings News Article continues below Vikings achieve milestone unseen since 2006 in gritty win over Jaguars Kevin O’Connell’s squad will play the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears twice, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks up to Week 16. For Minnesota to succeed in these games, their offense must improve. The team set an unusual offensive record against the Jaguars despite outgaining them by over 200 yards.
On a larger scale, after Detroit’s unexpected victory over the Houston Texans, the Lions appear set to continue their hot streak. This suggests that the NFC North title and possibly the entire NFC conference race could come down to the January 5th showdown at Ford Field—an opportunity Aaron Jones and the Vikings would be eager to seize after their earlier loss to the Lions.