Vikings vs. Saints: Can Aaron Jones Exploit a Weak Run D?

The #Saints rank 30th vs. the run (147.8 ypg). Can Aaron Jones with backups at both left tackle and left guard likely Sunday expose that Weakness?

Can Aaron Jones help push the #Vikings to 5-0?

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— Steve Hoikkala (@stevehoikkala) October 9, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 5 with a clear opportunity to begin the season 5-0 and the running game on Sunday may be the key. New Orleans ranks 30th against the run, allowing 147.8 yards per game through four weeks, according to allowed yards per team in the NFL. That number is the kind of vulnerability Minnesota’s Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has wanted to take advantage of in 2026 with having an emphasis on the run. Yet the Vikings will try to do it with a left side of the offensive line that no longer looks like the one that opened the season, and still without Jordan Mason.

Aaron Jones or Bust For Vikings

Aaron Jones has carried the ground game almost by himself. He has 297 rushing yards, one touchdown, and a 4.1-yard average. Those figures are respectable, but they also reflect volume more than a dominant supporting cast. In the three games without Jordan Mason, Deejay Dallas and Demond Claiborne have combined for nine carries and 23 yards. The Vikings currently are ranked 17th in rushing yards per game at 106.8 yards. Until Mason’s fractured thumb heals, Minnesota rushing attack is going to be Aaron Jones or bust. Jones was limited in practice Wednesday, and was given a rest day on Thursday to help get him ready for another heavy rushing load Sunday.

The protection in front of him is thinner still. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw remains in the concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, so Ryan Van Demark is the expected starter. At left guard, Joe Huber is in line to replace Donovan Jackson, who is on injured reserve and appears unlikely to return this season with a torn meniscus. That means both starting spots on the left side will be filled by backups against a Saints front that, on paper, should be movable.

Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) runs the ball against Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Saints Missing Pieces Sunday?

New Orleans may have some key injuries leading into Week 5. Starting linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf) and edge rusher Carl Granderson (ankle) have missed multiple practices and are at elevated risk of sitting out. If either or both are limited, the Saints lose two of the players most responsible for keeping opposing runners from reaching the second level. A defense already giving up nearly 150 rushing yards a game becomes even more vulnerable to the run without them. KOC’s game plan must be to take advantage of this weakness in their opponent Sunday, and take pressure off of Kyler Murray.

Vikings Depth Test

The question is whether Minnesota’s backup offensive lineman are able to get the job done. Van Demark and Huber do not need to dominate; they need to sustain blocks long enough for Jones to reach the line of scrimmage with a crease. There is no Josh Oliver at tight end to help either. Oliver is also out for the season with a torn biceps injury. Jones has shown he can turn modest holes into positive yards when the line holds up against first contact. Against a unit ranked near the bottom of the league in run defense, even average success on that side of the line should produce some good results. If the backups lose quickly at the point of attack, however, Jones will likely have a tough day running on that side of the line.

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) goes to block New England Patriots defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lean Into Aaron Jones & Run Game

Minnesota’s staff has little choice but to lean into the matchup. The Saints are 14th against the pass, and Minnesota is dead last in the league in the offensive passing game. Passing for only 156 yards per game isn’t going to get it done every week. Kyler Murray will need help in the run game to open up the pass.  The Vikings would be wise to test the run game early against the Saints and try to get Aaron Jones going.

Aaron Jones needs to carry the load one more week until the bye, and Jordan Mason is on the way to help. If Van Demark and Huber hold up the left side of the offensive line and the Saints lose Elliss or Granderson to injury, Minnesota should succeed. Control the tempo and keep the Saints’ offense off the field. If the left side collapses, the run game becomes more complicated, and more pressure falls on Kyler Murray’s arm.

Finishing 5-0 into the bye is within Minnesota’s grasp. They just have to go into the Caesars Superdome Sunday and seize the opportunity. Running back Aaron Jones coming back this season has proved to be fortunate for the Vikings and has allowed Jones to be featured more than ever.