The undefeated Minnesota Vikings are in Detroit Sunday looking to move to 7-0 on the season and 3-0 in the NFC North against the Lions. Running back Aaron Jones was a full participant Friday and did not receive a game designation, but we know he’s been dealing with an MCL injury all season.

That hasn’t held the Vikings back from leaning on him while Jordan Mason was on the injured list for four weeks. Through six games, Jones has rushed 105 times for 436 yards (4.2 per carry). That’s nearly as many carries (132) as he took in 12 games last season.

Jordan Mason played Week 1, then came off injured reserve Oct. 24 and led the team with 15 carries for 68 yards against Indianapolis in Week 7, off the Vikings bye. In two games, Mason has 30 carries for 127 yards.

So, the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield is as healthy as it has been all season. However, with questions surrounding Jones’ knee, and the team’s lack of efficiency on the ground early this season have general manager Nolan Teasley in the market for a running back before the trade deadline on Nov. 10.

Indianapolis Colts now open to trading Jonathan Taylor

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-5 on the season with their loss to the Vikings in Week 7. Then on Tuesday, they traded Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers.

At the time, they were not as interested in trading their one and only offensive superstar, running back Jonathan Taylor. As of Saturday morning, though, they seem to be changing that tune. According to Adam Schefter (ESPN), the Colts are now open dealing Taylor at some point over the next 10 days.

Taylor, 27, has 140 carries for 587 yards (4.2 per carry) and eight rushing touchdowns through seven games, along with 17 catches for 178 yards. His eight rushing touchdowns are tied for the NFL lead with McCaffrey, Josh Allen and Javonte Williams.

Vikings fans saw him up close last week. Taylor carried 18 times for 95 yards (5.3 per carry) and a touchdown in the 16-10 loss at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings among teams with interest in Jonathan Taylor

In the full ESPN report, Schefter and his new partner in crime, Ian Rapoport, listed the MN Vikings — along with the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks — as teams that have expressed interest in Taylor.

The list of teams that have expressed at least some level of interest in trading for Taylor is thought to include the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, sources said.

ESPN (Co-writers: Schefter and Rapoport)

It is not the first time this week the Vikings have been tied to Jonathan Taylor, a 3x Pro Bowler. On Tuesday, Rapoport said on NFL Network that he would expect Minnesota to inquire if Taylor became available.

Two days later, though, Tom Pelissero (The Ringer) said on KFAN that running back is the team’s biggest need, but that fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a blockbuster deal that includes the likes of a Taylor or Saquon Barkley.

Obviously, price will be the determining factor in Minnesota. According to Schefter and Rapoport, the Colts want a package similar to what the 49ers sent the Carolina Panthers for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. That deal included a second, third, fourth and fifth-round pick.

Ultimately, JT isn’t expected to cost quite that much, but it will take a second round pick to start conversations. Remember, the Vikings weren’t willing to top much lesser trade packages for Nelson or Buckner earlier this week.

Jonathan Taylor 2026 stats and contract

He also wouldn’t be a rental. Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension on Aug. 6, 2026 that runs through 2028, and he carries a $16.19 million cap hit this season. The Vikings have $6.31 million in 2026 cap space, so a deal for Taylor would likely require Minnesota to send salary back to Indianapolis.

For now, Taylor is expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but we’ll see if that’s still the plan as trade talks heat up this weekend. Taylor, for his part, said Thursday that he has not asked for a trade, but he acknowledged one could happen.

Jonathan Taylor – ESPN