Vikings Backfield in Flux as Aaron Jones Sr. Recovers from Knee Injury

Aaron Jones Sr. is managing a knee injury following a 23-carry, 105-yard performance in the Vikings' 9-3 win against Chicago.

Minnesota Vikings starter Aaron Jones Sr. is working through a knee injury that kept him out of practice on Wednesday. The 31-year-old running back is coming off a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears where he recorded 105 yards on 23 carries. Jones finished that contest wearing a knee brace and also sustained a bruise to his left cheek following a helmet-dislodging hit from cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell has not confirmed if Jones will be available for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The backfield depth is further strained as backup Jordan Mason remains on injured reserve with a fractured thumb suffered two weeks ago. Rookie Demond Claiborne is currently the only running back on the roster who participated in the team's training camp. Claiborne saw two snaps in Week 1, recording one reception for two yards.

To address the shortage, the Vikings promoted DeeJay Dallas to the 53-man roster last week; Dallas gained eight yards on two carries against the Bears. The team also signed veterans Jerome Ford and Jaret Patterson, both of whom were on the practice squad as of Wednesday. Quarterback Carson Wentz and the offense are monitoring Jones' status as he receives around-the-clock treatment leading up to the matchup in Tampa Bay.