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Vikings place RB Jordan Mason on IR with fractured thumb

The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve after he sustained a fractured thumb during a recent matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The designation ensures Mason will be sidelined for a minimum of four upcoming games, an unexpectedly severe outcome after head coach Kevin O'Connell originally described the setback as a sore thumb requiring evaluation.

Minnesota's backfield depth faced immediate scrutiny following the injury, prompting general manager Nolan Teasley to audition several free agent ball-carriers, among them former Cleveland Browns rusher Jerome Ford. The roster reshuffle comes while the franchise simultaneously monitors starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who also incurred an injury during the contest against Green Bay.