From 2019-22, Aaron Jones scored more scrimmage touchdowns and fantasy points than any running back other than Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler. Now, after a knee injury limited his 2023 production, Jones has a new team and new outlook.
“This is the best I’ve felt,” Jones told ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert in the Vikings’ locker room Monday. “I’m ready to have the best year of my career.”
That’s great news for the Vikings, who lost first-round selection JJ McCarthy to a knee injury and will put their hopes on the shoulders of quarterback Sam Darnold entering Sunday’s opener at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX) against the Giants.
According to Seifert, Vikings athletic trainers have implemented a “prehab” routine, requiring Jones to commit 30-45 minutes preparing for each practice. That routine, along with a healthy Jordan Addison and newly signed Justin Jefferson, could be a recipe that pushes the Vikings to games most believe they won’t win in 2024.
Jones, who signed as an unrestricted free agent, was one of the most consistent offensive producers in the league over the first part of his Green Bay career. After speaking to him in August, ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell believes the running back can return to his pre-2023 form.
“I’m team Aaron Jones,” Bell tweeted. “Chatting with him at training camp he was clearly rejuvenated after some tough weeks last year. Vikings performance and rehab group is excellent and had a plan for him. Think he’s going to surprise some people this season.”From 2019-22, Aaron Jones scored more scrimmage touchdowns and fantasy points than any running back other than Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler. Now, after a knee injury limited his 2023 production, Jones has a new team and new outlook.
“This is the best I’ve felt,” Jones told ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert in the Vikings’ locker room Monday. “I’m ready to have the best year of my career.”
That’s great news for the Vikings, who lost first-round selection JJ McCarthy to a knee injury and will put their hopes on the shoulders of quarterback Sam Darnold entering Sunday’s opener at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m. ET, FOX) against the Giants.
According to Seifert, Vikings athletic trainers have implemented a “prehab” routine, requiring Jones to commit 30-45 minutes preparing for each practice. That routine, along with a healthy Jordan Addison and newly signed Justin Jefferson, could be a recipe that pushes the Vikings to games most believe they won’t win in 2024.
Jones, who signed as an unrestricted free agent, was one of the most consistent offensive producers in the league over the first part of his Green Bay career. ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell believes the running back can return to his pre-2023 form.
“I’m team Aaron Jones,” Bell tweeted. “Chatting with him at training camp he was clearly rejuvenated after some tough weeks last year. Vikings performance and rehab group is excellent and had a plan for him. Think he’s going to surprise some people this season.”