There has been speculation about veteran running back Aaron Jones ever since he left the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Though most people assumed Jones suffered what is now being classified as a hamstring injury during the game between the Vikings and the New York Jets, Jones revealed on Wednesday at TCO Performance Center that it was actually during warmups that he realized something might be wrong. He was going through some of his usual stretching on the field when he felt something tighten up. He continued with his pregame routine in the immediate aftermath, not thinking much of it at the time, and felt good enough before kickoff that he decided not to mention it. “To start the game I was like, ‘Wow. I feel pretty good. Maybe this thing is gone,’ ” Jones said. “I felt like I was off to a good start.” Indeed. There were no signs of ailment from Jones during the early stages of the game as he racked up 29 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards. As explosive as he looked out of the backfield, however, Jones eventually started to feel something tighten up once again. After he communicated with the trainers on the sideline, Jones was ruled out for the game. “We still got the win,” Jones said. “That was the most important thing, and I didn’t hurt myself any further.” It raises the question: Will he be available for the Vikings when the host the Detroit Lions on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. “He’s going to progress throughout this week,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Hopefully has a chance to go.” Notably, the Vikings made a depth move on Tuesday, acquiring running back Cam Akers via a trade from the Houston Texans. If Jones isn’t ready to play this weekend, running back Ty Chandler would be the starter, with Akers more than likely serving as the backup. “Nothing changes offensively,” veteran quarterback Sam Darnold said. “It’s that next man up mentality that we always preach.” As for Jones, he has been doing everything in his power to get back on the field as soon as possible. He spent most of last week at TCO Performance Center, working tirelessly through the recovery process, while many of his teammates used the time off to go on vacation. “I was here Monday to Sunday grinding,” Jones said. ” I wouldn’t trade it. This is my job. This is where I want to be.” He alternated between the hot tub and cold tub. He spent time in the hyperbaric chamber. He even tried acupuncture. “I hate needles,” Jones said with a laugh. “I was on the table sweating.” Though he missed practice on Wednesday, Jones said he hoped to participate in practice on Thursday. That would be a big step toward Jones being available when the Vikings host the Lions with a spot atop the NFC North on the line. “We’re going to see how this week progresses,” Jones said. “We’ll pretty much base it off of that.” Related Articles Minnesota Vikings | Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman dealing with turf toe Minnesota Vikings | The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 7: Fantasy standouts getting ready to return Minnesota Vikings | Vikings acquire running back Cam Akers via trade with Texans Minnesota Vikings | How do the Vikings compare to their peers in the NFL’s best division? Minnesota Vikings | What does Dalton Risner’s return to practice mean for the Vikings?