MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings will have their top running back but will be without a key pass catcher when they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings announced that Aaron Jones would be active Sunday after injuring his hip on Oct. 6 against the New York Jets. He's been the team's most consistent runner — leading Minnesota with 350 rushing yards — and has also been an asset in the passing game. He's currently second on the team with 17 catches for 167 yards, trailing only star receiver Justin Jefferson in both categories.
The Vikings (5-0) were hoping to get another receiving weapon in tight end T.J. Hockenson, but he's been ruled out as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL he suffered last December against the Lions.
Minnesota opened Hockenson's 21-day return window on Oct. 4, and he was a limited participant in practice throughout the week, but he'll be held out Sunday as he eyes a possible return Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
Minnesota will also be without linebacker Blake Cashman after not practicing all week with a turf toe injury he sustained in London against the Jets. Cashman leads the team in tackles and tied for the most passes defended, so expect Ivan Pace Jr. and Kamu Grugier-Hill to have bigger roles on Sunday against an offense that has averaged 44.5 points over the past two games.
On offense, Jones has been more than effective since joining the Vikings in the offseason, and his impact was even more evident after he went down against the Jets. Running backs Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin, who is inactive Sunday, combined for just 32 yards on 16 carries as the Jets held Minnesota's rushing attack in check while Jones was on the sideline.
The Lions (4-1) have the third-best defense against the run, allowing just 83.2 yards per game, so Jones' return will be key in establishing a ground attack Sunday afternoon.
Hockenson's absence will be felt, but Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor have been reliable targets for quarterback Sam Darnold through the early portion of the season. Jefferson leads the way with 26 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns. He's also got a good track record against the Lions with 62 catches for 1,073 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games.
The Lions have struggled against the pass this season, allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game, so Jefferson and company could have some opportunities as they look to keep the Vikings unbeaten and atop the NFC North.
