Vikings open Jordan Mason's practice window as he nears return from IR

The Minnesota Vikings designated running back Jordan Mason to return from injured reserve on Monday, Oct. 19, opening his 21-day practice window. The team posted the move Monday afternoon, and it also appears in the league's transaction log.

What is confirmed

Mason is still on IR. The designation lets him practice with the team, and Minnesota now has 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster or he reverts to season-ending IR. The injury is a fractured thumb he suffered in the Week 1 win over Green Bay, which required surgery.

Before he got hurt, Mason had 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in that opener. In 2025, his first year in Minnesota, he ran for 758 yards and six scores in 16 games.

What is still unclear

ESPN's Kevin Seifert says there is "lots of optimism" that Mason plays in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. That is a strong signal, but the Vikings have not activated him yet, and the practice reports this week will tell us more.

How the work splits is the bigger fantasy question. Aaron Jones Sr. has handled the bigger share of the work while Mason was out. Mason has rarely been used as a receiver, so his value leans on early downs and goal-line carries. A timeshare is the likely starting point, with Mason's share growing if the thumb holds up.

What RSO owners should do now

If Mason is on your IR slot, keep him there until Minnesota actually activates him. Do not release him to clear space. He is on a short return path and should be useful as a flex option in a crowded backfield.

If he is a free agent in your league, he is worth a modest short-term bid for teams thin at running back, since his role is still unsettled. Jones owners should expect fewer early-down and goal-line carries once Mason is back.

What to watch next

Watch this week's practice reports for Mason's participation level. A full practice by Friday and a roster activation on Saturday would put him in line to play against the Colts. Keep an eye on whether Minnesota adds another running back before the trade deadline, which would cut into both backs' value.