The Vikings’ offense has significantly improved this season, largely due to the addition of running back Jones, who left Sunday’s game with a hip injury. Prior to his injury, Jones was performing exceptionally well, ranking sixth among qualifying running backs with a 60.9% success rate.
This statistic, defined by Pro Football Reference, measures how often running backs achieve specific yardage thresholds on first, second, and third or fourth downs.
In addition to his success rate, Jones also excelled in screen pass situations, placing second among qualifiers with an impressive average of 8.23 yards per route run, according to Pro Football Focus.
His contributions were instrumental in helping the Vikings establish themselves as a top-five offense, accumulating 116 points leading up to Sunday’s game. However, the team struggled in his absence after he exited due to injury.
Ty Chandler stepped in following Jones’s departure but was unable to replicate his impact, managing only 30 yards on 14 carries and even fumbling a pitch in the first half. This drop-off in performance highlighted just how crucial Jones has been to the Vikings’ offensive success. The team appeared to falter without him, struggling to maintain their scoring prowess.
Looking ahead, the Vikings have a bye week, which could provide Jones with the necessary time to recover before their upcoming game against the Detroit Lions. However, if his injury sidelines him for an extended period, the Vikings may need to explore options at the trade deadline to bolster their running back depth and ensure they can continue their offensive momentum.
Overall, Jones’s injury presents a challenge for the Vikings as they aim to maintain their high-level performance. His overall contribution has been a key factor in their success, and the team will need to carefully assess their options moving forward to navigate the potential loss effectively.
