Aaron Jones Earns Feature Back Role After Jordan Mason Injury

By Jody Smith | Updated on Mon, Dec 22 2025 2:52 AM UTC

Vikings RB Aaron Jones logged a season-high 21 carries in Minnesota's 16-13 Week 16 win over the Giants. Jones, who briefly exited the game in the first quarter with a minor ankle injury, also had his highest rushing total (85) and snap count (39) of the 2025 season. No. 2 RB Jordan Mason, who had a 47% snap share and 51% rush share heading into Week 16, was carted off the field in the second quarter with an ankle injury and quickly ruled out. With Mason absent, Jones' expanded workload resulted in him surpassing double-digit fantasy points for the first time since Week 11.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Jones missed four games earlier this season with a hamstring injury. Since he returned, he has not been out-touched by Mason in any of Minnesota's 8 games.

From Weeks 8-16, Jones led Mason in snap share (55% to 38%) and rush share (51% to 38%).

No. 3 RB Zavier Scott briefly took over the backfield in the second quarter when both Jones and Mason were sidelined, but once Jones returned to the game, he dominated playing time for the remainder of Minnesota's win.

Per Pro Football Focus, Jones played 37 of Minnesota's final 46 snaps (80.4%). Scott received only 2 snaps after Jones returned.

If Mason misses time, Jones would be in a position to see a lot of work for the Vikings, especially with QB J.J. McCarthy also leaving the game with a hand injury.

Minnesota hosts the Lions on Thursday, which gives McCarthy and Mason little time to recover.

That sets Jones up to command a lot of touches next week. Detroit has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, but Jones produced 98 yards on 11 touches against this defense back in Week 9.

We'll keep an eye on McCarthy and Mason's health, but early indications are that Jones will be busy on Christmas. That makes him a potential RB2 in fantasy championship lineups.

Jody Smith, Analyst

Jody Smith has been playing fantasy football for over 30 years, the last 15 as an analyst, writer, and editor. Jody's rankings have been among the most consistent, placing him inside the top-10 in multi-year accuracy.