Quarterback Nick Mullens has been designated as the starter for the Minnesota Vikings in their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals, as confirmed by coach Kevin O’Connell on Tuesday. Mullens, originally the team’s second-string quarterback, will assume the starting role, marking the fourth different starting quarterback in a seven-game stretch for the Vikings. Despite the quarterback rotation, the team maintains a strong position for an NFC wild-card playoff spot.
Mullens, who returned from injury reserve in Week 11 after recovering from a back injury, stepped in for Joshua Dobbs in the fourth quarter of the recent 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, leading the team’s only scoring drive. Coach O’Connell expressed confidence in Mullens’s abilities, praising his traits and preparation and highlighting his effectiveness in executing the game plan with minimal repetitions.
While O’Connell has yet to decide on Mullens’ backup for Saturday’s game, both Jaren Hall and Joshua Dobbs will be in uniform. Mullens, with 17 NFL starts in his career, previously played for the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers, accumulating a record of 5-12 in his starts.
In reflecting on the quarterback situation, O’Connell acknowledged Dobbs’ contributions, leading the team to three wins after Kirk Cousins’ injury, but emphasized the decision to start Mullens for the upcoming game. The Vikings, now a game over .500, are optimistic about Mullens’ performance, especially if he has star receiver Justin Jefferson, who was a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice, available in Cincinnati. However, running back Alexander Mattison and right tackle Brian O’Neill did not participate in practice due to ankle injuries.
