Aaron Jones injury update: Latest on Vikings RB's status for Week 18

Aaron Jones' availability has become a focal point for Minnesota Vikings fans ahead of their crucial Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions. The veteran running back left Sunday's game against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, with a quad injury during the Vikings' 27-25 victory.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Aaron Jones is not facing any major injury concerns. The running back sustained a quad contusion during the Week 17 contest, which led to Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell pulling him from the game "out of caution."

Jones finished the game with 47 rushing yards on 12 carries and added four receptions for 30 yards before exiting. The Vikings maintained their lead without him, though the Packers made a late push to close the gap.

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings - Source: Imagn

Rapoport reports that Jones has a "pretty realistic chance" of playing in the regular-season finale against Detroit. This news comes as a relief for Minnesota, as they prepare for what could be their most significant game of the season.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the 14-2 Vikings. A win against Detroit would secure both the NFC North title and the conference's No. 1 playoff seed, granting them a first-round bye. A loss would drop them to the No. 5 seed.

What's next for Aaron Jones and the Vikings?

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings - Source: Imagn

Aaron Jones sits just 29 yards shy of surpassing his career-best rushing total of 1,121 yards, set in 2022. Through 16 games this season, he has accumulated 1,093 rushing yards, positioning himself for a potential third 1,100+ yard campaign.

The matchup carries extra weight for Jones personally. After the Vikings' recent win over Green Bay, he revealed to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman and ESPN's Rob Demovsky that he still watches Packers games when possible. He also said he supports his former team, despite now playing for a division rival.

If Jones suits up, he'll have an opportunity to help the Vikings match their franchise record of 15 regular-season wins. This mark was last achieved in 1998 during Randy Moss's rookie season under then-head coach Dennis Green.

The final decision on Jones' game status will likely hinge on his recovery progress throughout the week, as Minnesota gears up for this pivotal NFC North showdown.