Is Aaron Jones playing today? Latest on Vikings RB's status and fantasy outlook for Week 7 vs Lions
Aaron Jones has quietly been one of the most impressive running backs this season since making the offseason switch to the Minnesota Vikings. Eyebrows were raised when Jones, a Green Bay Packer through and through, was allowed to leave the franchise, but the Vikings were more than happy to bring him on board and have reaped the benefits of a change in scenery.
However, the Vikings were left without Jones' services for most of the Week 5 London game against the New York Jets after he suffered a hip injury. The running back had an extra bye week to shrug that injury off in addition to a hamstring issue and is expected to take the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions despite being listed as questionable on the injury report.
Is Aaron Jones playing today?
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Jones is expected to suit up to face the Lions later today.
The Vikings appear to be cautiously optimistic about Jones but made sure to have some insurance regardless by trading for Houston Texans running back Cam Akers, who is expected to serve in an RB3 role this afternoon.
Aaron Jones' fantasy outlook for Week 7
Jones was forced to leave the field early in Week 5 after suffering a hip injury against the Jets. However, he was listed as questionable on the Vikings' injury report for Week 7.
At 29 years old, you'd be forgiven for questioning whether Jones will have a full workload as he aims to return from not one, but two injuries. The Vikings playmaker has missed bits and pieces of the season in six of his eight seasons in the NFL.
Considering the Vikings traded for Cam Akers, Minnesota will likely ease Jones back into action, especially since Ty Chandler has served as a decent deputy.
Per FantasyPros, Jones is the RB13 in fantasy points per game entering Week 7 but will go up against a Lions defense that has been among the best in the league in keeping running backs in check.
Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer predicts a triumphant return of 11.9 points for Jones against Detroit.
Also read: Week 7 Fantasy Football RB Rankings and Picks feat. Kyren Williams, J.K. Dobbins, and more