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The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2026 NFL season with a new quarterback in Kyler Murray, but the same head coach and offensive playcaller in Kevin O'Connell. While the Vikings' passing attack might be similar to what it was last year, hopefully with better QB play from Murray as opposed to J.J. McCarthy, the running game might look a lot different. ESPN's Dan Graziano revealed that, with some run-game changes the Vikings are making, Aaron Jones Sr. might not end up being the team's lead running back, with Jordan Mason potentially taking over lead back duties this season. Why Jordan Mason, not Aaron Jones Sr., could be Vikings RB1 "They hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach with the intention of making major changes to their run game," Graziano writes. "Expect the Vikings to implement more wide-zone concepts this season as they work to make their running game a more reliable and integral part of their offense." This change on offense for the Vikings in the running game, moving to more wide-zone work, is the kind of rushing attack that Mason thrives in. As Graziano notes, "People I talked to with the Vikings seemed to feel like the new system would be a particular benefit to Jordan Mason, so it's possible he emerges as the lead back." There's no guarantee that he actually takes over this backfield, but the signs are pointing towards Mason having a clear runway to be the RB1 in Minnesota. MORE: Packers ‘motivated’ to sign Tucker Kraft to long-term extension But even if he were to earn this job, the Vikings would surely end up using Jones in a significant role as well. It just might be closer to 60-40 in Mason's favor as opposed to closer to 50-50, or even a split in Jones' favor. Last season, Jones got 132 rushing attempts in 12 games, whereas Mason got 159 attempts in 16 games played. Mason was the better runner, posting a 56% rushing success rate, better than Jones at a 50% rushing success rate. His better rushing production, combined with Minnesota's schematic changes, means Mason could end up being a focal point of the Vikings' rushing attack during the 2026 NFL season. More NFL news: - Why Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur Sanders - Jameson Williams predicted to be Lions leading receiver over Amon-Ra St. Brown - Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando Mendoza - Texans prepared to offer C.J. Stroud a $50M plus contract extension - Eagles sign former Cowboys RB draft pick Jaydon Blue to practice squad