The Minnesota Vikings are once again altering their quarterback situation. Head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed this week that Nick Mullens will replace Joshua Dobbs as the starting quarterback when the team faces the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Mullens, initially the team’s backup quarterback, will become the fourth starting quarterback in a seven-game stretch for the Vikings as they contend for a playoff spot.
Mullens, a seasoned quarterback, was on injured reserve with a back injury when Kirk Cousins, the starting QB, suffered a right Achilles tendon rupture in Week 8. This led to rookie Jaren Hall starting the subsequent game, but a concussion sidelined Hall, prompting the recently acquired Dobbs to start four games over the following month. Mullens returned in Week 11, stepping in for Dobbs in a 3-0 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. In the fourth quarter, Mullens completed 9-of-13 passes for 83 yards and guided Minnesota in its sole scoring drive of the game.
Coach O’Connell explained the decision, stating, “We’ve opted to start Nick Mullens this week. We observed his entrance into the game last Sunday, where he demonstrated his readiness to play in rhythm. He displayed accuracy with the ball and made excellent decisions.”
With a 7-6 record, the Vikings are entering the crucial matchup against the Bengals, who also have a 7-6 record. The game is scheduled to air at 1 p.m. ET on the NFL Network. Currently, Minnesota holds the second NFC Wild Card spot.
