The Vikings are planning to start Joshua Dobbs at quarterback this week against the visiting New Orleans Saints, Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters Monday.
Dobbs said rookie quarterback Jaren Hall is in the concussion protocol, along with wide receiver K.J. Osborn. Both players left Sunday’s win against the Atlanta Falcons with head injuries.
Dobbs — acquired five days before the game in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals — replaced Hall on short notice and guided the Vikings to a come-from-behind, 31-28 victory. Dobbs had a 22-yard scramble late in the game to set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Brandon Powell.
O’Connell said Dobbs will take all the first-team reps in practice this week for the Vikings (5-4), who have won four straight heading into Sunday’s game with the visiting Saints (5-4).
The Vikings are already down Kirk Cousins (torn Achilles) and Nick Mullens (back) at the position, in addition to Hall. Mullens could be activated from injured reserve this week, but O’Connell was not sure of his progress.
Dobbs’ season began in Arizona after the Cardinals, who had to start the season without Kyler Murray, acquired him from the Cleveland Browns at the end of training camp. In eight starts for the Cardinals, Dobbs had 1,569 passing yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions on a 62.8 percent completion rate, plus three rushing TDs.
For the Vikings on Sunday, Dobbs went 20-for-30 for 158 yards and two touchdown passes.
O’Connell also confirmed that running back Cam Akers suffered a ruptured Achilles in the game at Atlanta.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams early in the season, Akers appeared in six games for Minnesota and rushed 38 times for 138 yards and one touchdown. He added 11 receptions for 70 yards.
–Field Level Media