The Minnesota Vikings hit a new low in Week 13, getting blanked 26-0 by the Seattle Seahawks in a game that was as rough on the scoreboard as it was physically. Not only did the Vikings get shut out, but they also saw two key offensive players exit with injuries-center Ryan Kelly and veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr.
Let’s start with Jones. The 30-year-old back has been battling a shoulder issue in recent weeks, and things took a turn for the worse in the third quarter when he came down hard while fighting for extra yards after a catch.
The play resulted in a fumble, and Jones didn’t return. His final stat line?
Just three rushing yards on six carries, plus 22 receiving yards on four catches. It was a frustrating outing for a player who signed a two-year extension with Minnesota back in March and was expected to be a stabilizing force in the backfield.
The concern now is whether that shoulder injury will cost Jones more time. With the Vikings set to host the Washington Commanders in Week 14, his status is very much up in the air.
If he can’t go, Minnesota will likely lean more heavily on Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott to carry the load. Neither has been a featured back this season, but with the offense sputtering, the Vikings might not have much choice.
Speaking of sputtering, the Vikings' offense has hit a wall. Over the last two games, they’ve put up a grand total of six points.
That’s not just a cold streak-that’s a full-on freeze. And now, with injuries piling up, moving the ball becomes an even steeper uphill climb.
The loss to Seattle marks Minnesota’s fourth straight defeat, dropping them to 4-8 on the season. The offensive line struggled to keep things clean, and without consistent protection or a reliable ground game, the Vikings couldn’t get anything going against a Seahawks team that smelled blood early and never let up.
The injury to Ryan Kelly only adds to the offensive woes. The veteran center left the game with a hip flexor issue, and there’s no word yet on how long he might be out. If he misses time, it’ll be another blow to a unit already searching for answers.
At this point, the Vikings are facing more than just a tough stretch-they’re staring down a season that’s slipping away fast. The pieces that were supposed to bring balance and stability are either injured or underperforming, and the margin for error is gone.
Minnesota has to regroup quickly. The Commanders are up next, and while their defense has had its own struggles, the Vikings can’t afford to overlook anyone-not with the offense in its current state. Whether it’s Mason, Scott, or someone else stepping up, someone needs to spark this unit before the season is completely out of reach.