Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday and is now trending towards playing in Week 7. According to Ian Rapoport, his hamstring seems like it's in a good place and he's likely to take the field against the Detroit Lions. Despite leaving their Week 5 matchup early and being on bye in Week 6, Jones is still the RB17 in half-PPR formats. If he's able to play, he'll go up against one of the toughest defenses against the run. The Lions did just lose Aidan Hutchinson for the season though, so the Vikings run game may be able to find some holes.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), who was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, said he has "passed every test by a mile" from a medical standpoint. Hockenson's knee is healed, but he has no predictions on when he'll make his 2024 debut. The likeliest targets are in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night or in Week 9 versus the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old is making progress, but the Vikings aren't going to rush him back too soon. Hockenson must be rostered in all fantasy leagues, as he has the potential to be an immediate TE1 contributor when he returns to the field. However, those expecting him to return this Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions will most likely be disappointed.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) returned to practice, according to Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later Thursday afternoon as it should provide clarity on Jones' level of participation during the session. Nonetheless, seeing him back on the field after not participating on Wednesday is a good sign. The Vikings were off last week, which gave Jones additional time to recover after sustaining an injury in their Week 5 victory over the New York Jets. If Jones can suit up, he should be locked into all lineups as a solid RB2. If not, Ty Chandler and Cam Akers should split the opportunities, and both could be low-end flex options facing a tough Detroit defense.UPDATE: Jones was officially limited on Thursday.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was again listed as a limited participant in the team's practice report. Technically, it's the veteran's second straight limited session, as he was designated as such in the final practice leading up to the team's Week 5 outing against the New York Jets. Whether or not he plays this week is uncertain; however, with his 21-day practice window set to close on Oct. 25, Minnesota must activate him soon lest they lose him for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was optimistic when asked about him. "He's in a great spot," said O'Connell, "he's moving around great, but he's gotta get acclimated back into football a little bit." With Minnesota set to play their Week 8 matchup on Thursday Night Football, Hockenson's debut may be pushed back until then. We'll know more regarding his Sunday status over the next few days' practice designations.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, but he said he hopes to return to practice on Thursday. Jones said he felt his right hip bothering him before the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and it flared up on him during the game. Since then (the Vikings had a bye in Week 6), he's been receiving around-the-clock treatment and seems to be in good spirits as the team prepares for a Week 7 divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. The 29-year-old should be considered questionable for this weekend after being pulled from the London game with his hip injury, and now he's being listed with a hamstring ailment. With Jones injured, Minnesota traded for Cam Akers on Tuesday. Both Akers and Ty Chandler could split the backfield if Jones isn't cleared for Week 7.