Healthy Aaron Jones ready to lead Vikings' resurgent running game

There is no question that Justin Jefferson is an elite player. However, he is not the most important player in the Vikings' offense.

Quarterback is one of the most important positions in sports, but the Purple's current leader, Sam Darnold, isn't the most important offensive player either.

And what about the guy who's supposed to protect Darnold's blind side, the left tackle? Christian Darrisaw, only 25, is one of the highest-paid players at his position. But no, he's not.

The Vikings begin their 64th season on Sunday, but their most important offensive player has yet to play a down for them. He has traded in his green and gold sombrero for a purple and gold one.

It's running back Aaron Jones and the timing of his arrival couldn't be better.

Jones, 29, has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in a season three times. He once scored 16 touchdowns in a season. He was named to a Pro Bowl. He is a polished running back with the ability to get around tacklers when he can or run over them when he has to. He has caught an average of 47 passes out of the backfield over the past five seasons. Last season, he rebounded from hamstring and knee injuries and finished the season with five consecutive 100-yard games, including two postseason games. The Packers averaged 30.4 points in those five games.

While running backs have historically peaked at his age, Ponce de LeJones is looking for the strength he needs to continue his career into his 30s. He's adopted a training program called “Pre-Hab” that's aimed at preventing injuries, and he's sought advice from former running backs who have passed the test of time.

“I feel like I'm getting better every year, and last year I felt like I was just about to hit my best,” Jones said last week.