The hits just keep coming for the Minnesota Vikings. As if getting clobbered 22-6 by the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday wasn’t bad enough, the Vikings also lost starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and starting running back Aaron Jones with injuries in the game. And they both appear to be injuries of the lingering variety.
Rookie McCarthy, whom Minnesota selected 10th in the 2024 draft (but who missed all of last season due to injury), has a high ankle sprain that will at the very least keep him out of action this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the more realistic timetable for his time on the sidelines is two to four weeks. While McCarthy hasn’t been sharp in his first two NFL contests, the team surely would rather have him doing on-the-job training rather than have veteran Carson Wentz taking snaps.
As for running back Aaron Jones, the news may be even worse. The former Pro Bowler, who rushed for a career high 1136 yards last season for the Vikings, injured his hamstring in Week 2. He has been put on injury reserve, meaning he’s out of action for at least four games. Jones was held to five carries and 23 yards in each of the team’s two games this season, but as last season proved, he’s capable of much more. Backup Jordan Mason will step into the void created by Jones’s absence (and I have Mason on my fantasy team, so no complaints from me – take your time, Jones!).
Degenerate Spin: On the fantasy front, go grab Jordan Mason if he’s available (and you’re not in my league). On the betting front, the Vikings are a 3.5-point favorite at home to the Bengals this weekend, who will also be without their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow. At first glance, I think I’m in the Vikings still for this weekend.
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