Vikings open Jordan Mason's practice window after Week 1 hand injury

The Minnesota Vikings designated running back Jordan Mason to return to practice on Monday, October 19, opening a 21-day evaluation window after a Week 1 hand injury that required surgery. The move gives Minnesota a chance to assess him before activating him from injured reserve; it does not confirm when he will play.

Mason, 27, has been rehabbing since the injury, the Vikings said. NBC Sports' ProFootballTalk identified it as a fractured thumb. He had 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota's Week 1 win over Green Bay before being sidelined.

How Mason's absence changed the Vikings' backfield

Jones carried 23 times for 105 yards at Chicago, then had 17 carries for 58 yards at Tampa Bay, according to the Vikings. Against Miami, he rushed 20 times for 94 yards and added 34 receiving yards. At New Orleans, he gained 113 yards on 25 carries, including an eight-yard touchdown run that put Minnesota ahead in the fourth quarter of a 23-13 win.

What the 21-day practice window means

The designation allows Mason to practice while the Vikings evaluate whether he is ready to be activated. It is a step toward a possible return to games, but Minnesota's announcement gave no activation date. The team said Mason would return to practice this week following its Week 6 bye.

Minnesota, listed at 5-0 in the team's announcement, is scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts were listed at 2-4. Mason's availability for that game remains unconfirmed, so the immediate change is the chance to assess him in practice as the Vikings prepare for their next game.