Vikings Get Major Update on RB Aaron Jones Ahead of ‘TNF’
Considering the Minnesota Vikings have had to pivot to veteran journeyman Carson Wentz under center due to J.J. McCarthy nursing a high-ankle sprain, head coach Kevin O’Connell and company have done an admirable job of keeping their heads above water at 3-3.
However, the margin for error will continue to shrink for the Vikings moving forward, especially heading into a matchup against a desperate and talented Los Angeles Chargers team in a short week.
The Vikings might get a boost in the backfield during the Thursday night matchup against the Chargers, with an intriguing update from O’Connell on veteran running back Aaron Jones.
Major Update on the Status of Vikings RB Aaron Jones
GettyAaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings.
During media availability, O’Connell gave a crucial and positive update on Jones’ status ahead of Week 8 against the Chargers.
“Also wanted to make note that Aaron Jones’s 21-day window is opening up today,” O’Connell said. “That’ll be something that will happen today, and we’ll see where he’s at potentially for his availability on Thursday night.”
Jones is working his way back from a hamstring injury, which has limited him to only two games so far this season. The return of the veteran would definitely help out the run game, which in turn will help the passing game for Wentz and ultimately McCarthy.
Jones has carried the football just 13 times for 46 rushing yards.
Carson Wentz Gets Another Start for Vikings
GettyHead coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with Carson Wentz.
The big question heading into a short week in Week 8 is whether the Vikings would have J.J. McCarty back under center after missing so much time due to the high-ankle sprain, which is always a tricky injury to come back from.
Unfortunately for McCarthy, it will be another week of waiting for the young quarterback, as he’s just not ready yet to return.
“Earlier this morning, we did put J.J. McCarthy through an on-field workout just to see if he had a chance to make it this week,” O’Connell said. “We’re all kind of encouraged about where he’s at and the progress he’s making, but he’s just not there.”
With McCarthy still not ready to get back under center as the starter for Minnesota, the team will turn to Carson Wentz once again.
“Carson Wentz will start, Max [Brosmer] will be the backup and J.J. will be available in case of emergency as the third. Like I said, encouraged about where he’s at and very much looking forward to continuing his progression and hopefully having a chance to go next week.”
Heading into Week 8, Wentz has thrown for 1,072 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions, which obviously aren’t great numbers, as he started strong, taking over for McCarthy and has cooled off with O’Connell seemingly itching to get his young quarterback back under center sooner rather than later.
It’ll be interesting to see if Wentz can lead the Vikings to a win against a struggling Chargers squad before handing the starting job over to McCarthy.
Browns Given Zero Respect Odds Against MVP Candidate Drake Maye
The Cleveland Browns won their second game of the season, defeating the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.
Unfortunately, oddsmakers don’t believe Cleveland will repeat that performance in Week 8 on the road against the New England Patriots.
The over/under is at 40.5 points.
Truth be told, neither line should be much of a surprise at this point.
The Browns average the third-fewest total yards per game (287.0) and also rank No. 30 in points per game (16.1).
On the other hand, the Patriots are giving up the second-fewest rushing yards per game (77.1), and that spells trouble for running back Quinshon Judkins, who is the lone bright spot for Cleveland’s offense.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has taken a big leap and is playing like a legitimate MVP candidate.
He has New England averaging 25.9 points per game, which is ninth in the league.
The Browns’ pass rush will keep Maye on his toes, but so far this season, he’s completed 152 of 202 passes (75.2 percent) for 1,744 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions.
He also has 44 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Anything can happen in the NFL, and the Browns’ playoff-caliber defense should be able to keep them in a game against anybody.
But unless head coach Kevin Stefanski gives the Cleveland offense a little juice, and the receivers find a way to create some separation, it could be a long day for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
