EAGAN, Minn. -- It seems safe to rule out at least one possibility as the Minnesota Vikings sort through their backfield options this spring. They do not want to repeat their heavy use of veteran Aaron Jones, who set career highs in touches (306), carries (255) and offensive snaps (700) in his first season with the team.
Jones made it through all 18 games, even while nursing hip, rib and quadriceps injuries. He had the most rushing yards (1,138) and second-most yards from scrimmage (1,546) in his career. But as he approaches free agency at age 30, the Vikings have signaled that they will dial back his playing time if he returns.