Vikings' Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) cleared to play vs. Buccaneers

EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. was a full participant in practice Friday and has been cleared to start Sunday's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones, 31, took 23 carries in a Week 2 victory over the Chicago Bears and finished the game wearing a knee brace. He did not practice Wednesday, but he said Friday that he never doubted he would be ready to play.

"I finished the game last week," Jones said, "so in my head I was good to go for this week."

It remains to be seen whether Jones will take on the same load he did in Chicago. The Vikings likely will throw more frequently against the Buccaneers with starter Kyler Murray back in the starting lineup. To this point, the Vikings rank No. 2 in the NFL in designed run rate (50%) after playing most of their two games with backup Carson Wentz in the game.

Jones likely will be backed up by veteran DeeJay Dallas and rookie Demond Claiborne. Veteran Jordan Mason opened the season as Jones' backup but will be on injured reserve for at least two more weeks because of a fractured thumb.

"I don't know what kind of load I'm getting," Jones said, "but when my number's called, I'll be ready. I like those kind of games. ... And if it turns into that, I'm ready."