Aaron Jones

Vikings name eight captains, including Kyler Murray

The Vikings have named eight captains for the 2026 season, including Kyler Murray

2026 Minnesota Vikings betting preview, predictions: Four NFL player props to target before Week 1

Vikings’ new GM, Kyler Murray signing, and draft pick Caleb Banks set the stage for prop bets on key Vikings players

Trade: Jonathon Brooks, Xavier Worthy, Dak Prescott, Aaron Jones

Niche CBA rule unlikely to impact Packers roster at cutdowns

Few players near the bubble would quality for termination benefit

NFC North, AFC South teams reveal 'Rivalries' uniforms

The NFL’s second wave of “Rivalries” uniforms were unveiled on Tuesday

FA: Aaron Jones dropped

Drops: Aaron Jones

Demond Claiborne Appears Locked into RB3 Role

Demond Claiborne's inefficiencies in preseason games might not affect his RB3 role with the Vikings

What kind of run game do the Packers actually want?

The Packers may be shifting back to an athletic O-line after a year of beefing up the unit

Kyler Murray leads Vikings to a field goal in only drive

Kyler Murray led a 10-play, 54-yard drive for the Vikings in their preseason opener

Demond Claiborne Leads Vikings In Rushing Saturday

Running back Demond Claiborne of the Minnesota Vikings earned a team-high 12 carries for 34 yards in the club's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Playing mostly behind the Vikings' backups on the offensive line, Claiborne still showed some juice despite limited space to run, including a nine-yard burst that gained a first down to set up Minnesota's lone touchdown. The rookie will begin the season behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, though his impressive speed and receiving potential give him a chance to win playing time in a backfield with two veterans on expiring deals. Claiborne, a sixth-round pick, has serious long-term potential in dynasty formats, but he also could be a high-priority waiver candidate in redraft leagues if either Jones or Mason misses extended time

Aaron Jones: Plays just one series Saturday

Aaron Jones carried the ball three times for 27 yards and had one target he failed to catch in Saturday's preseason win over the Giants. He played just one series

Vikings name Kyler Murray starting QB over J.J. McCarthy, per report

The quarterback battle in Minnesota has reportedly come to a swift conclusion, as the Vikings have named Kyler Murray their new starter over former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy , per ESPN . This battle was expected to last into the preseason, but Kevin O'Connell has apparently called the contest four days before the Vikings are scheduled to take the field against the New York Giants . Murray was viewed as the favorite to win this job over McCarthy, who became the only first-round pick since 1970 to finish last in the NFL in completion percentage and TD-INT ratio in his first season. While Minnesota did rally to finish with a 9-8 record last year, the Vikings still missed the playoffs thanks to an underperforming offense. Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason following seven years with the franchise. The former No. 1 overall pick won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, made two Pro Bowls, and took Arizona to the postseason once, but his play dipped in recent years. Murray has missed 30 out of a possible 68 games over the last five seasons, and his last winning season came back in 2021. In all, Murray went 38-48-1 during his time with the Cardinals. Still, it's possible Murray is rejuvenated by this change of scenery. In Minnesota, he finds multiple upgrades he did not have in Arizona. For example, Murray has a star wideout for the first time since DeAndre Hopkins . Justin Jefferson is one of the best pass-catchers in the game, and just became the third player to ever begin a career with six straight seasons of 1,000 yards receiving. He's not the only weapon either, as Minnesota has a solid supporting cast which includes Aaron Jones , Jordan Mason , Jordan Addison , T.J. Hockenson and Jauan Jennings . Murray also has the backing of a Brian Flores unit that finished No. 3 in total defense last season (282.6 yards allowed per game) and No. 7 in scoring defense (19.6 points allowed per game). If Murray can be an efficient distributor of the football, this Vikings team can return to the postseason. This is a developing story

What you missed this weekend (August 10, 2026 edition)

On one hand, football is back. On the other hand, it’s still summer. You’re doing things on the weekend. Things that often don’t include monitoring the usual web destinations you frequent while you’re supposed to be working. Now that you’re back at work, and looking for reasons not to, here’s a rundown on what you missed when you weren’t working, with links to the stories you didn’t read. (But still can.) Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps on Saturday. Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater abruptly retired ; he was quickly replaced by veteran Josh Dobbs. The Patriots are scrambling to replace the “ noncompliant ” turf field that was installed after the World Cup. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is feeling better ; he’ll coach the preseason opener. Shanahan told reporters that his Tesla was on autopilot before his July 11 accident. The Aaron Donald decision is expected this week . New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker doesn’t like practice being filmed by media and fans. Tony Romo’s status will loom over this week’s CBS NFL preview press conference. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby and QB Kirk Cousins were kept out of practice on Saturday after getting into a scuffle on Friday . The new Bills stadium may have some sight line issues . The Texans are on a “ crusade ” to improve their oft-crummy offense. Mike Tomlin thinks that the noise around Mike Vrabel will get “ extremely loud ” if the Patriots struggle out of the gates. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says his left knee “ feels great .” Vikings RB Aaron Jones believes rookie Demond Claiborne is a “ special back .” Vikings LB Jamal Adams has switched from No. 54 to No. 32 , a sign he’ll be playing plenty of safety. CB Trevon Diggs got a workout with the Lions. Saints G Dillon Radunz is out for the year with a torn ACL. The Jets got an injury scare from rookie LB David Bailey, the second overall pick in the draft. New Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald refuses to call himself retired . Seahawks DE DeMarcus Lawrence considered retirement before returning for a 13th season. 49er LT Trent Williams has been sued for missing 46 of 48 payments on a lease for a Porsche 911. (“Not being able to fit in the car” could be his only real defense.)

Aaron Jones believes rookie Demond Claiborne is a "special back"

Veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr. has high praise for rookie Demond Claiborne, calling him a "special back" and a player who can have a long NFL career. Claiborne, a sixth-round pick, has impressed Jones with his ability to make quick cuts and speed. With the Vikings looking to implement a wider zone rushing attack this season, Claiborne could see significant playing time

Aaron Jones believes rookie Demond Claiborne is a "special back"

The running game has largely been an afterthought during Kevin O'Connell's first four years as the Vikings' head coach

Demond Claiborne Building Momentum and Seeing More Work

Minnesota Vikings rookie RB Demond Claiborne, after an early camp injury, is showing significant progress. He had a 60-yard touchdown in practice and has been heavily involved as a runner and receiver, even mixing with the first team. While behind established backs, Claiborne is demonstrating versatility that could make him a waiver wire option by season's end and a valuable dynasty stash

Fantasy Football: Players at each position who have the easiest early-season schedules for 2026

Fantasy Football analyst Justin Boone highlights the players at each position who should have an easy time early in 2026

Fantasy Football NFC North Snapshot: 1 key nugget from each team going into 2026

Scott Pianowski shares one thing that stands out for fantasy football for each NFC North team going into 2026

Why Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are worth paying — and why second-contract RB fears are overblown

The traditional NFL approach of devaluing running backs by avoiding premium draft picks and second contracts is being challenged by Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Both players, drafted high in 2023, have demonstrated elite production in rushing, receiving, and efficiency through their first three seasons, a rarity matched only by Christian McCaffrey and Ezekiel Elliott among recent draft classes. This suggests that for certain top-tier talents, the argument of replaceability may not hold, justifying significant investments

Aaron Jones Sr. Is a Low-Cost Buy for Dynasty Contenders

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. remains a sensible low-cost dynasty target for contenders, while rebuilding managers should look to move him before his short-term value declines further. The 31-year-old produced 1,546 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 before a hamstring injury helped limit him to 12 games last season. Jones finished 2025 with 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns, plus 28 receptions for 199 yards and another score. Jordan Mason was the more productive runner, totaling 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries, but Jones doubled Mason's reception total and should remain the more established passing-down option. Minnesota retained Jones on a revised contract that lowered his 2026 base salary to $5.5 million, and he is entering the final year of the deal. Sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne adds another change-of-pace option, but Jones still has a path to useful receiving work. RotoBaller ranks Jones 171st overall in its latest dynasty update, placing him firmly in the low-cost range. Contenders can justify acquiring him as PPR depth, while rebuilders should sell rather than risk another age-related drop in value after the season