Kevin O’Connell Leaves Door Open for Josh Dobbs to Start in Week 18

By Jason Burgos |

Updated: Jan 1, 2024

With the Minnesota Vikings playoff hopes on the line in Week 18, the team’s head coach admitted that “all options are on the table” when it comes to the quarterback spot and that could mean the return of Josh Dobbs to the starting role.

After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the NFL trade deadline, Dobbs took the league by storm with some stunning performances in two shocking victories for the team. However, following a pair of losses — including a four-interception performance in an ugly defeat to the Chicago Bears — the journeyman QB was given the hook in December.

However, while head coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision at the time was understandable, things have only gotten worse since then. Backup Nick Mullens has gone 1-2 in his three starts and has thrown six interceptions to just four touchdowns.

In Week 17, the coach turned to rookie Jaren Hall, but he was forced to bench him in their loss to the Green Bay Packers, and Mullens again couldn’t deliver when given a second chance.

Josh Dobbs could be Minnesota Vikings starting QB in Week 18

Well, it seems those performances have opened the door to another QB change in a must-win Week 18 game. Following their loss on Saturday, O’Connell responded to questions about who will be the starting signal-caller on Sunday and it looks like they could again turn to Dobbs with their playoff hopes on the line.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell says all three quarterbacks (Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs and Jaren Hall) are on the table to start Sunday against the Lions. The team will be evaluating.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) January 1, 2024

Reporter: “Is Dobbs a possibility now that he’s been around for awhile?”

O’Connell: “We had discussions about all three quarterbacks last week and we’ll do that as a staff again and kind of take a look at where we are at, what kind of game plan we’re going to put together against a team we just played a couple weeks ago. But year, I would say at this point, whatever that depth chart looks like, including the starter. We’re going to do whatever we think gives us the best chance to win this football game this week and leave the conversation at that.”
Kevin O’Connell – Postgame Press Conference

Here’s how the Vikings can clinch a playoff spot in week 18.