Running back Aaron Jones’ injured right hamstring appeared to be no problem Sunday, when he led the Vikings offense with 116 yards from scrimmage, including a 34-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive.
The Vikings offense leaned on Jones, who rarely left the field throughout Sunday’s 31-29 loss to the Lions. Backup running back Ty Chandler got just two carries, and newly acquired running back Cam Akers didn’t see the field on offense, illustrating the coaching staff’s confidence in Jones’ health.
Jones was listed as questionable entering the game because of a right hamstring strain suffered during pregame warmups in the Oct. 6 win against the Jets.
“It felt good,” Jones said. “Had no problems, was able to make it through the game. Even running some deep routes downfield.”
Jones had three catches for 23 yards. One catch, a 17-yard deep crossing route starting from a wide receiver alignment, left Lions defenders talking after the game.
“That was fun,” Jones said. “Appreciate [head coach Kevin O’Connell] for scheming that one up. Even after the game, some of their players were like, ‘You’re running a high crosser? We never seen a running back run that.’ The trust [O’Connell] has in me and the belief, knowing that, ‘Hey, we’ll probably get this matchup on this play and it’ll be an advantage for you.’ ”
Handing the ball off to Jones was often a good decision, although the Vikings were outgained on the ground for the first time this season. But because of Jones, the Lions had only a 5-yard advantage (144-139) on the ground.
“He was phenomenal,” O’Connell said of Jones, who had 93 rushing yards on 14 carries. “He was not 100 percent, but literally from the time we touched down from London to today, it’s been sun-up to sundown treatment. … Aaron is a true pro’s pro, one of those standards for our team. And the fact he was able to not only make it but have the impact he did on the game, just very, very fortunate to have Aaron Jones on the football team that I coach.”
