It was all bad news from Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell to open Week 3 with RB Aaron Jones Sr. and QB J.J. McCarthy both dealing with injury. Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury while McCarthy has a high-ankle sprain. The veteran back isn't expected to suit up Sunday vs. the Cincinnati Bengals while the first-year starting QB could be out 2-4 weeks. 

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This is exactly the reason fantasy football managers were advised to prioritize backup RB Jordan Mason, whom the Vikings acquired from the 49ers over the offseason to add depth at the position. Yahoo analysts Matt Harmon and Justin Boone break it down on the latest "Yahoo Fantasy Forecast" podcast. 

Boone points out that we all knew Jones, at age 30, might not hold up in the injury department. That always made Mason an intriguing stash pick later in drafts. That could already pay dividends with Mason in line for what could be a huge workload in Week 3. Boone believes that, with QB Carson Wentz under center, Minnesota could lean heavily on Mason and the run game. We saw what he was able to accomplish with San Francisco while Christian McCaffrey was sidelined last season. 

So far this season, Mason has been the better back with 24 carries for 98 yards and three catches for 15 yards through two games. Boone thinks these injuries will be a boost for Mason. He's also not panicking much when considering the impact on the rest of the offense. 

The trust in O'Connell is strong and once players get healthy, the Vikings should get back on track. In the meantime, feel comfortable rolling out Mason in your fantasy football lineups.