Vikings return RB Jordan Mason from injured reserve after broken thumb kept him out the last 4 games

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has been cleared to return from injured reserve, marking his comeback after a four-game absence due to a broken thumb. The thumb injury occurred during the Vikings' season opener against Green Bay on September 13. According to NFL regulations, Mason has three weeks to practice before being added back to the active roster or risk being ineligible for the remainder of the season.

However, the team anticipates Mason will be ready for practice following the minimum absence period. The Vikings (5-0), set to face Indianapolis on Sunday, have been heavily relying on 10-year veteran Aaron Jones, who has averaged 19.4 rushing attempts per game this season, a career-high figure. Jones has accumulated 410 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, along with 12 receptions for 72 yards.

Mason had previously been the Vikings' leading rusher with 758 yards and six touchdowns in the 2022 season, his inaugural year with the organization following stints with San Francisco.