Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) runs the ball during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sept. 14, 2025.

The Minnesota Vikings have been hamstrung by injuries, but it's one player's hamstring that is the focus ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Aaron Jones has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. It's been a quiet start to the season as a result, forcing Minnesota to trust Jordan Mason with a larger workload in Jones' absence.

With the Vikings trying to right the ship against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, welcoming back a key piece of their offense would certainly help.

Here's what to know about Jones' status for Week 8.

Is Aaron Jones playing tonight?

Jones is set to make his return in Week 8, ESPN and Prime Video's Kirk Herbstreit said on "The Pat McAfee Show."

The running back had his 21-day practice window opened earlier in the week and was listed as a limited participant in practice, per the Vikings' injury report.

Considering the nature of short weeks in the NFL, the Vikings' practice reports were only estimations as the team held walk-throughs in preparation for Thursday night's game.

Vikings RB depth chart

  • Aaron Jones
  • Jordan Mason
  • Zavier Scott

Jones should assume his starting role upon his return in Week 8. He should help the Vikings add a receiving element out of the backfield again, giving Minnesota some additional options in the passing game.

Mason will certainly play a factor as well, much like he did in the team's first two contests before Jones was sidelined.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Aaron Jones playing today? Latest on Vikings RB ahead of Week 8

Reporting by Nick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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