Many believed that the Minnesota Vikings would target a running back early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, they went defense early and finally took Demond Claiborne in round six, signaling their confidence in the tandem of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Jones led this backfield in 2025, but could there be a battle brewing heading into the 2026 season?
Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports highlighted one major takeaway from every team's initial depth chart, and he took note of the running back starter being listed as "Aaron Jones OR Jordan Mason":
Most NFL fans would point to Aaron Jones as the starting running back for the Minnesota Vikings, but the depth chart doesn't exactly reflect that. First-string running back is listed as Aaron Jones OR Jordan Mason.
Remember, the Vikings acquired Mason from the San Francisco 49ers last offseason, and he rushed for 758 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Ever since Mason put up 147 yards and a touchdown in his first career start back in 2024, I've felt he was an underrated back. He's clearly going to have a role in this offense.
The reports coming out of Eagan are that Mason has looked every bit the part of a starting running back, stacking strong performances in training camp. We will need to pay close attention to snap counts as the preseason continues, and to any announcement from Kevin O'Connell about how this running back room will shake out.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings RB battle highlights their initial depth chart