KOC: Jordan Mason nursing sore thumb

That escalated quickly. On Monday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Mason’s “sore thumb” was being evaluated. Apparently, it had sustained a small fracture, which has now been “fixed,” ostensibly surgically, given O’Connell’s phrasing. Short-term injured reserve placement requires players to miss four games, but the Vikings are on bye in Week 6, so Mason will be eligible to return in Week 7. Mason led the backfield with 15 carries in Week 1, so his absence provides RB Aaron Jones with a touch-count boost. Veteran RB DeeJay Dallas operated as the RB3. Rookie RB Demond Claiborne was inactive last week, but should be active in Week 2 against the Lions. Speculatively stashing him could be worthwhile.

Mason led the team in carries but only rushed three more times than Aaron Jones, who also found the end zone. Both backs also ran nine routes each, though Jones was targeted once while Mason did not see a look in the passing game. Mason’s lack of a role through the air will limit his weekly ceiling, but a floor of double-digit carries isn’t half bad. He will sit in the RB3 ranks for his Week 2 date with the Bears.

Mason stands 5'11 and his weight is listed between 223-230 pounds depending on the source. He hits the latter figure on the Vikings’ website. That’s fairly hefty for a running back. The Vikings’ starter, RB Aaron Jones, is 31 years old and took a pay cut to stay with the team this offseason. Mason, 27, might have a chance to challenge for the primary rushing role this year, though Jones will likely remain the primary player on passing downs.

Lewis believes that “in the long haul, the Vikings project a potentially game-breaking role.” Thus far, Claiborne’s new teammates have taken to addressing him by his childhood nickname, “Lightning.” And, Lewis, in an admittedly over-the-top manner, describes Claiborne’s lateral movements as “the closest thing you’ll find to real-life teleportation.” Hyperbole aside, beat reporters do not always take the time to write features on sixth-round rookies. Given Lewis’ short-term stipulations, it sounds as though Claiborne might be given the chance to compete for a role in the passing game this summer. Starting RB Aaron Jones is entering his age-31 season, and RB Jordan Mason, 27, is a one-dimensional rusher. The two veterans are ahead of Claiborne on the depth chart, no doubt, but this is not an elite one-two punch. Keep an eye on Claiborne this summer.

The running back takes a pay cut to a base salary of $5.5 million. This move quashes the fantasy value of Jordan Mason, who was looking like he’d head the committee in 2026 by a wide margin. Mason still may wind up leading the Vikings in carries given how often Jones gets hurt, but Jones will probably see at least half the snaps here after agreeing to stay. Jones is more of a high-end RB3 at this stage of his career, as entering his age-32 season he’s started to leave a concerning number of games with injuries and spent time on injured reserve last year.

Mason functioned as the team’s lead back with Aaron Jones inactive, seeing 14 of the Vikings’ 24 running back carries. It was the second highest rushing yardage total for Mason in 2025. He mostly served as Minnesota’s No. 2 back behind Jones, seeing more than ten touches in six games. He finishes the year with 770 rushing yards and six scores, catching 14 of 16 targets for 51 yards. Mason, 26, is signed through the 2026 season and could be the team’s lead back if Aaron Jones leaves town. Still, Mason’s lack of involvement as a pass catcher will limit his fantasy upside in any scenario.

Facing defensive backups for the Packers, Jordan Mason will likely get a starter’s workload in the Minnesota backfield with Jones sidelined. JJ McCarthy, dealing with a hand injury, will start the regular season’s final game. Look for Justin Jefferson to be peppered with targets as QB-WR combo try to get on the same page ahead of an uncertain offseason for McCarthy.

Mason is in line to start this week with RB Aaron Jones (hip) having been ruled out. The Packers have already locked up a playoff spot. The Vikings are simply trying to get a better read on QB J.J. McCarthy. Mason is on the RB3/FLEX radar this week. He will likely cede passing down snaps to No. 3 RB Zavier Scott.

With RB Aaron Jones (hip) sidelined by a hip injury, Mason has a chance to start. Vikings No. 3 RB Zavier Scott would likely play in passing situations, if this is indeed, the case. Mason would be on the RB3/FLEX radar. The Vikings face the playoff-bound Packers in Week 18.

Jones has played through myriad injuries this season, so even with two absences, he still has a chance to play. That said, it would make sense for the Vikings to shut him down. Jones is 31 years old and remains under contract in 2026. His backup, RB Jordan Mason (ankle), upgraded to full participation today. He would start in Jones’ stead if the veteran player cannot go.