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Aaron Jones Can’t Be a Placeholder for Vikings

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Vikings RB Aaron Jones in 2024 at Lambeauf Field against the Green Bay Packers
Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts after earning a first down during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Prior to the new league year kicking off on March 11, reports suggested that the Minnesota Vikings would be releasing veteran running back Aaron Jones. Then, just minutes before free agency opened, the former Green Bay Packers star was taken off the open market.

Rather than release Jones, the Vikings opted to restructure his contract. Rather than play at a $9 million salary and bloated cap hit in 2026, Jones is back on a $5.5 million deal that will have a diminished hit on the bottom line.

Aaron Jones’ Return Doesn’t Solve Minnesota’s Running Back Future

After being healthy for all 17 games with the Vikings during his first season in Minnesota, Jones played in just 12 games last season. His 4.2 yards per carry were the lowest of his career, and the offense hummed better with Jordan Mason toting the rock.

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Aaron Jones Vikings
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The reality is that a 32-year-old Aaron Jones has almost equal value in the locker room as he does on the field. There should be no expectation that he can get through a full season, and finding a renewed sense of production is a lofty bet as well. That said, the Minnesota Vikings don’t have to lean into him being their answer.

Jordan Mason is back, but the only other running backs on the roster are Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott. For a team that hasn’t found youth at the position since Dalvin Cook, the time is now. It would be wild, but fun, to jump up and grab Jeremiyah Love. They don’t have to be that aggressive, though.

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) celebrates his touchdown scored against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

This running back class has talent, and there’s a guy with local ties who seems like a logical fit. Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson hails from Minnesota, and he led the Big Ten in rushing last year. He may need time to acclimate at the next level, but a second or third round pick thrown his way could pay significant dividends.

After bringing Jones back, I don’t envision a scenario in which another running back is signed in free agency. One has to be taken before the fourth round, though, and Jones back or not, his presence shouldn’t get in the way of that player’s development or playing time.


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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
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Iran says it can’t take part in FIFA World Cup 2026 amid US attacks | Football News

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Iran won't be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran won’t be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026


Iran’s sports and youth minister said it’s “not possible” for the country to take part in the World Cup after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war.


Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country’s soccer team players are not safe in the US, according to a video of the interview posted Tuesday.


“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran – they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people – definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said. 

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Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The US is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.


FIFA said Tuesday night that it anticipates Iran’s national team will be allowed to come to the United States.


Last week, US President Donald Trump said “I really don’t care” if Iran takes part in the 48-nation tournament.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday night “to discuss the status of preparations” for the tournament and received assurances that Iran would be permitted to come to the US.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 12 2026 | 11:45 AM IST

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What happened to Carter Welling? Know why Clemson forward was rushed to locker room in ACC Tournament Second Round vs. Wake Forest

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Clemson Tigers forward Carter Welling made his way to the locker room in his team’s ACC Tournament second-round game against Wake Forest. The versatile forward was promptly ruled out of the contest.

With the Tigers emerging 71-62 winners, let’s look at what happened to Carter Welling.

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What happened to Carter Welling?

Clemson was leading 37-23 as Welling made his way to the basket. The Tigers’ junior attempted to stop and pump-fake, but then collapsed and could not get to his feet on his own power. He was then helped off the court and into the locker room.

According to Yahoo Sports, Clemson basketball coach Brad Brownell said Carter Welling is “unlikely” to play in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against North Carolina. The update comes after it was confirmed that Welling suffered a right knee injury against the Demon Deacons.

It’s important to note that Welling needed assistance from two Clemson trainers to help him off the court. He did return on crutches and with a brace on his knee to watch the rest of the contest.

Welling departed with a stat line of five points, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 12 minutes. Clemson will look to RJ Godfrey, Nick Davidson and freshman Chase Thompson to step up in the key junior’s absence.

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What’s next for the Clemson Tigers?

The No. 5 seed Clemson (23-9) will face off against No. 4-seeded North Carolina (24-7) on March 12 (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). They’ll likely enter the game without their second-leading scorer and top rebounder in Welling.

Clemson has won three of their last five games, with their most recent loss coming against the Tar Heels. They’ve since pulled off victories over Georgia Tech and Wake Forest.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have won four of their last five games. Their most recent loss came at the hands of archrivals, the No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils. They’ll fancy their chances against the Clemson Tigers in a neutral location.

The Tar Heels picked up a win against the Tigers earlier this month. They’re now looking to end their ACC tournament run.

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