Aaron Jones lands on IR with a four-week hamstring timeline, forcing Minnesota to lean on a reshuffled backfield. Mason steps in as lead back, and Cam Akers could join as depth. Jones’ 2024 breakout, 1,138 rushing yards, and a 27-yard Week 1 TD loom as benchmarks in a Week 3 mismatch against Cincinnati.

The offense shifts with J.J. McCarthy sidelined; Carson Wentz is slated to start, while Jake Browning handles Cincinnati’s quarterback duties. Minnesota sits as a small home favorite, elevating Mason’s fantasy ceiling and Akers’ late-season upside in a backfield-by-committee landscape.

Expect Mason to command a sizeable early-down role, with Akers offering insurance and dormancy risk but upside in favorable scripts. This creates real DFS and weekly RB2 intrigue as the Vikings navigate the next four weeks.

Vikings add Desmond Ridder to back up Carson Wentz after J.J. McCarthy’s injury, bolstering QB depth with an NFL-tested passer who can move when needed. Ridder’s arrival, coupled with Wentz as starter, signals a pragmatic plan to weather weeks without McCarthy while keeping an eye on upside if he gets on the field.

Fantasy-wise, expect Wentz to anchor the offense while Ridder offers a floor from rushing and a potential ceiling if he’s pressed into action. The move underscores Minnesota’s willingness to deploy a two-QB approach, leveraging Ridder’s mobility in designed plays and situational packages.

Bengals place Joe Burrow on IR with turf toe, signaling a lengthy absence that could require surgery. Jake Browning takes over as starter while Mike White and Sean Clifford join the practice squad and Brett Rypien moves to the active roster as veteran insurance. Cincinnati pivots to a run-first, quick-throw approach to weather the storm.

Browning’s relief stint suggested a safer floor with rushing upside, but a lower ceiling than Burrow. Fantasy managers should view Browning as the primary streamer in Cincinnati, with White/Clifford as depth options. Week 3 at Minnesota brings risk, yet a favorable game script could lift Browning’s value if McCarthy is out for the Vikings.