The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve due to a small fracture in his thumb, as confirmed by head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday. Mason has already undergone a procedure to address the injury, but his absence will impact the team for at least the next four games.

Mason is set to miss crucial matchups, including:

• Week 2 at the Chicago Bears
• Week 3 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 4 at home against the Miami Dolphins
• Week 5 on the road against the New Orleans Saints

With a bye in Week 6, Mason could return as early as Week 7 when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts. In the Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers, Mason showcased his potential by rushing for 59 yards on 15 carries and scoring a touchdown.

In his second season with the Vikings after joining from the San Francisco 49ers in March 2025, Mason was expected to have an expanded role. Last season, he recorded a career-high 159 carries for 758 yards and six touchdowns. With Mason sidelined, veteran Aaron Jones Sr. will take on the primary rushing responsibilities. Jones, who rushed 12 times for 40 yards and a touchdown in the opener, has a track record of success, averaging 4.2 yards per carry last season.

To bolster the backfield, the Vikings signed DeeJay Dallas to the 53-man roster and added Jerome Ford to the practice squad. Dallas, known for his intelligence and physicality, could see an increased role in light of Mason's injury. O'Connell praised Dallas, emphasizing his instincts and vision as an asset to the team.