Minnesota Vikings place RB Jordan Mason on IR following thumb surgery

The Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve after he underwent surgery to repair a “small fracture” in his thumb. Head coach Kevin O’Connell disclosed the roster move during his mid‑week press conference, noting that the injury occurred in the team’s season‑opening victory over the Green Bay Packers. Under NFL regulations, the IR designation requires Mason to miss at least the next four games. Mason was effective in that Week 1 triumph, gaining 59 rushing yards and scoring a touchdown on 15 carries before the thumb issue was identified. The organization anticipates his return to active play later in the season, with the earliest possible reactivation slated for late October. To maintain depth in the backfield while Mason recovers, the Vikings elevated running back DeeJay Dallas from the practice squad to the active 53‑man roster. The vacancy created on the practice squad was filled by signing veteran running back Jerome Ford. The sudden shortage also positions fellow running back Aaron Jones Sr. to handle a larger portion of the rushing workload. Jones posted 40 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts alongside Mason in the opener. The backfield adjustments come as Minnesota’s offense contends with additional challenges, notably the ongoing concussion protocol for quarterback Kyler Murray, who exited early in Sunday’s game. The Vikings are now preparing to meet division rival Chicago on the road this coming Sunday. Editorial credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock.com