Vikings place RB Jordan Mason on IR with fractured thumb, sign DeeJay Dallas

Minnesota's backfield took a hit on Wednesday. The Vikings placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve with a fractured thumb and signed veteran DeeJay Dallas to the 53-man roster to fill the opening, a swap that thins their ground game just as the offense was finding its rhythm.

The fracture is a small one and has already been fixed, Rapoport added, with O'Connell describing the stay as a short-term absence expected to end quickly. ESPN's Kevin Seifert added that the team also signed Jerome Ford to the practice squad, giving Minnesota another option alongside Dallas while Mason recovers. Jeremy Fowler called the loss significant, noting Mason had 59 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 win. With Kyler Murray also working his way through the concussion protocol, the Vikings suddenly have two skill-position questions to manage heading into Sunday's trip to Chicago.

Dallas brings return experience and spot-start versatility, and his elevation suggests Minnesota wants a ready-made contributor rather than a developmental fill-in. The Vikings will lean on their remaining backs while Mason heals, hoping the short-term designation proves accurate and their early-season momentum survives the shuffle.