Jordan Mason: Vikings place running back on injured reserve

THE FACT. Minnesota announced Wednesday that Mason has been placed on injured reserve with the thumb injury he picked up in Week 1, according to the team's official site. The Vikings also promoted running back DeeJay Dallas from the practice squad and added veteran back Jerome Ford to the practice squad in the same set of moves.

THE VERDICT. Mason is out of your Redraft lineup for the foreseeable future, so use an IR slot if you have one rather than cutting him outright. Aaron Jones Sr. is now the clear lead back in this backfield and should be started with confidence. Demond Claiborne is the speculative handcuff worth about 8 percent FAAB this week. Dynasty managers should hold Mason, since a thumb issue is not the kind of injury that reshapes a running back's long-term value.