Jordan Mason's return to backfield gives Vikings versatility that has been missing

Sports admin October 20, 2026 0 Comments

Jordan Mason’s return to backfield gives Vikings versatility that has been missing

The Minnesota Vikings are getting a big lift this week. The return of a backup running back doesn’t usually represent a key advantage, but it is likely to give head coach and play caller Kevin O’Connell an opportunity to make moves with his offense. He did not have those opportunities in the team’s first five games.

When O’Connell designed the team’s offense in the offseason, he wanted to see a greater influence on the running game. He knew that neither Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason were All-Pro candidates, but that both were capable when it came to running inside, outside or catching passes. Mason is returning this week when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts.

O’Connell needs to have both running backs available for the Vikings to have credibility on the ground. Jones demonstrated the last two games against the Dolphins (94 rushing yards) and Saints (113 rushing yards) that he has the quickness to hit the holes and he knows how to finish his runs. He is also a solid pass catcher who has shown he can run a circle route out of the backfield and make key plays.

Mason brings power to the running attack

Mason was the Vikings’ leading rusher last year with 758 yards, a 4.8 yards per carry average and 6 touchdowns. He went down with a broken thumb in the season opener against the Packers. Mason is a power runner who can take on linebackers and knock them backwards before he goes down.

Mason has never put big receiving numbers together, but O’Connell will use him in that area just to surprise the opposing defense. The coach demonstrated his excitement when he revealed that Mason was returning.

“I’m excited about what’s coming for us offensively,” O’Connell said last week. “I’ve kind of envisioned it being like that from the beginning of the season, and we’ve been able to win football games as we progress, but ultimately, to maximize who we want to be as a team, where our offense is going is going to be a big part of that, and Jordan Mason is going to be a big part of that as we get him back coming off the bye.”

More than anything, a solid and consistent ground game from two backs will take some pressure off of QB Kyler Murray. He does not have to make every play by himself if both backs are contributing. The Vikings could have one or two run-oriented drives per game that result in points.

That will give Murray a chance to find Justin Jefferson when the Vikings go to the air, and that means big plays. If Jordan Addison and TE T.J. Hockenson return as well, so much the better.

While there have been multiple reasons why the Vikings have the 27th-ranked offense and are averaging 283.0 yards per game, the return of Mason will help them climb the ladder.

That’s what it will take for the Vikings to have an offense that can support Brian Flores and the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

This story was originally published October 19, 2026 at 11:56 PM.