EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings activated running back Jordan Mason from injured reserve Saturday, completing his recovery from a fractured thumb that required surgery last month.
The Vikings had already created a spot for Mason on the 53-man roster Friday by releasing running back DeeJay Dallas, who re-signed Saturday to the Vikings' practice squad and was elevated to the gameday roster for Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Mason is expected to split time against the Indianapolis Colts with teammate Aaron Jones Sr., who took 90% of the Vikings' running back carries in Mason's absence.
"Getting Jordan back, I think will be a really positive thing just because of the offseason he had and the excitement," coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday, after Mason completed a week of practice with no setbacks. "My excitement to see him paired with Aaron, and how we go about the usage there, is going to be an exciting thing because we feel so confident in both of them. But with the workload Aaron's had and the type of warrior he's been, it'll be good to have JP back."
In his only appearance this season, Mason carried 15 times for 59 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 39-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. He reported thumb soreness the following day, leading to the discovery of a small fracture.
In his second season with the Vikings, Mason has rushed for 2,070 yards and 14 touchdowns since joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
