Vikings weighing running back plan after heavy day for Aaron Jones

Minnesota is considering how to manage Aaron Jones' workload with Jordan Mason on injured reserve for three more weeks.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday that running back Aaron Jones came through Sunday's game against the Bears in decent shape despite being sore. Jones, 31, handled 23 carries in Chicago — one of his heaviest workloads in several seasons — after Jordan Mason went on injured reserve last Wednesday. He briefly exited the game following a hard hit that knocked his helmet off.

O'Connell said he and general manager Nolan Teasley are discussing how to structure the backfield while Mason remains sidelined, which will last at least three more weeks. The coach described Jones as someone the team trusts completely, while noting the staff also wants to be careful with how much he is asked to carry.

Behind Jones, DeeJay Dallas served as the No. 2 back with eight offensive snaps, gaining eight yards on two rushes and adding a 12-yard catch. Rookie Demond Claiborne got on the field for a single two-yard reception. Jerome Ford, signed to the practice squad after Mason's injury, was not promoted to the active roster for the Bears game.

Minnesota ran for 119 yards in Week 2 and travels to face the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, with kickoff set for 3:05 p.m. CT.