# Vikings Coaching Decisions for Lions Game

> Kevin O'Connell's 3 key coaching moves ahead of Lions game.
- Title: Vikings Coaching Decisions for Lions Game | Shortify
- Summary: Kevin O'Connell's 3 key coaching moves ahead of Lions game. Kevin O'Connell would rest Aaron Jones, treat Justin Jefferson like a WR1, and keep Caleb Banks…
- Keywords: viking, kevin oconnell, aaron jones, justin jefferson, caleb banks, lions, week 8, nfl, mcl, dnp, jordan mason, jahmyr gibbs
- Source: Minnesota Vikings On SI — https://si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/3-vikings-coaching-decisions-i-d-make-if-i-were-kevin-o-connell-ahead-of-the-lions-game-in-week-8-01m62naes44q
- Published: 2026-10-29T15:00:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: viking, kevin oconnell, aaron jones, justin jefferson, caleb banks, lions, week 8, nfl, mcl, dnp, jordan mason, jahmyr gibbs
## Vikings Not Most 6-0 Teams
The Vikings aren't most 6-0 teams despite elite defense and struggling offense as they prepare for Detroit.
## Key Injuries and Trade Deadline
With key injuries, trade deadline approaching, and a struggling offense, O'Connell would handle Week 8.
## Sit Aaron Jones
Jones left Sunday's game after re-aggravating his sprained MCL and is DNP for Week 8.
## Jones' Knee Concerns
Jones' knee likely worsens throughout the season, but a week off might delay the inevitable.
## Mason Carrying Load
Letting Mason carry the load helps determine if trade deadline changes are needed.
## Treat Jefferson Like WR1
Jefferson hasn't scored 100 yards or been targeted more than seven times since Week 1.
## O'Connell's Advice
O'Connell said, 'If you go looking for an excuse, you'll find one.'

> If you go looking for an excuse, you'll find one.
## Jefferson as Superstar
O'Connell should treat Jefferson like the superstar he is to get more involvement.
## Keep Banks on Pine
Caleb Banks has seen 12 snaps per game but needs every minute from starters against Detroit.
## Gibbs' Home Run Threat
Jahmyr Gibbs ripped off a 38-yard touchdown as Banks got bulldozed last week.
## Banks' Growing Pains
Banks has 11 tackles including one for loss but a 30.2 Pro Football Focus grade highlights growing pains.
## Key takeaway

Kevin O'Connell would rest Aaron Jones, treat Justin Jefferson like a WR1, and keep Caleb Banks on the pine for Week 8 against Detroit.