Aaron Jones Reportedly Placed on IR, Cam Akers Signs Vikings Contract for 3rd Stint

The Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Aaron Jones on injured reserve with a right hamstring injury, keeping him out for at least the team's next four games, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. In a corresponding move, the Vikings are signing Cam Akers to their practice squad.

Jones suffered the injury last Sunday in Minnesota's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday that it was "unlikely" Jones plays Sunday at home against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Jones left the Falcons game in the third quarter and went into the medical tent for evaluation. He did not return. Jordan Mason handled running back duties from that point forward. Minnesota also has Zavier Scott and Ty Chandler at running back, although Chandler is on IR with a knee injury.

Jones is in his ninth NFL season and second with the Vikings after spending seven years on the Green Bay Packers. He has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons to his name, including 2024, when he had 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns to go along with 51 receptions for 408 yards and two more scores.

It's a tough loss for the Vikings, but he'll be eligible to return on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Los Angeles Chargers.

In the meantime, Mason, who was acquired via trade this offseason from the San Francisco 49ers, should lead the backfield. He's totaled 113 yards on 27 touches through two games.

As for Akers, this marks the third straight time the Vikings have acquired Akers during the regular season.

In Sept. 2023, Minnesota added Akers via trade from the Los Angeles Rams.

In July 2024, Akers signed a contract with the Houston Texans. However, Minnesota traded for Akers yet again last October.

In June 2025, Akers signed with the New Orleans Saints, but they released him on Aug. 25.

Akers has played five NFL seasons, beginning in 2020 with the Los Angeles Rams, who selected the ex-Florida State star with the No. 52 overall pick in the NFL draft.

He had 748 yards and three scores during his rookie year. Unfortunately, his second season was shortened to just three games after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during an offseason workout in July 2021.

Akers played a near-full season in 2022, amassing a career-high 903 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.

Over the past two seasons for the Vikings, Texans and Rams, Akers has rushed for 611 yards and four touchdowns on 164 attempts (3.7 YPC). He's also added 25 catches for 138 yards and three more scores.