Mason Is Back, and the Backfield Looks Different Than It Did in August

The Vikings activated Jordan Mason off injured reserve Saturday, clearing him from the fractured thumb that required surgery last month. He's listed active ahead of Sunday's home game against the Colts.

What he's returning to is not what he left. Aaron Jones Sr. has carried the rushing load in Mason's absence — 437 yards and 2 touchdowns across six games — and has earned his snaps. The backfield now has two functional options for the first time since the preseason, which is a quieter development than it sounds for a team that spent the first month of the season improvising at nearly every position.

Minnesota hosts Indianapolis on Sunday. The Colts, per the coverage out this week, are chasing their first win in three tries and will be motivated. For the Vikings, Mason's return is one more piece clicking back into place on a 5-0 team that has been winning without him.