Vikings make surprising decision with Josh Dobbs

Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs (15) after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Dobbs has lost his starting job with the Minnesota Vikings heading into Week 15, and he will not serve as the team’s primary backup, either.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced earlier in the week that Nick Mullens will start against the Cincinnati Bengals. On Thursday, O’Connell told reporters that rookie Jaren Hall is going to back up Mullens, leaving Dobbs as Minnesota’s emergency third quarterback.

Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell announced that rookie QB Jaren Hall will back up Nick Mullens on Saturday and Joshua Dobbs will serve as the emergency third QB.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2023

The decision to completely demote Dobbs is surprising given how well the quarterback played earlier in the season.

Minnesota acquired Dobbs in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals leading up to Week 9. Hall started that week against the Atlanta Falcons, but he suffered a concussion early in the game. Just days after joining the Vikings, Dobbs went 20/30 for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns while leading the team to an incredible comeback win over Atlanta.

Dobbs had another outstanding game in a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. He has struggled since, with just 2 touchdown passes compared to 5 interceptions over the past three weeks. Dobbs was benched for Mullens in last week’s 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

With the way Dobbs played in Arizona and in his first two games with the Vikings, there was talk that he could be in line for a big pay day this offseason. O’Connell must not think as highly of him as some other teams.