Vikings Gridiron News: Kirk Cousins injury update; exploring the Josh Dobbs trade
It looked like the Minnesota Vikings were on pace to completely turn around their season and then Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending torn Achilles tendon.
While the Vikings can still make some noise in the NFC North this season, it will be a challenge without the 35-year-old quarterback who was having a great season prior to the injury. What next for Minnesota?
Well, the team did pull off a trade prior to the NFL Trade Deadline with the acquisition of Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals. While Dobbs showed some things in Arizona, the Vikings will go with Jaren Hall in their Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who are also changing it up at quarterback.
Despite the doom and gloom at the position, the Vikings still have a great change to get over .500 with a win. All praise to Cousins for even getting them in that position with how the team started off the 2023 NFL season.
NFL Rumors: Will the Vikings bring back Kirk Cousins?
Speaking of the Cousins injury, the veteran quarterback underwent successful surgery to repair his torn Achilles tendon on Wednesday. As the recovery begins, the next intriguing question is where the veteran quarterback will end up next season as he enters free agency.
Surgery was a success! Grateful for your prayers, Dr. Coetzee’s abilities, and our medical team. Would appreciate continued prayers! One day at a time… pic.twitter.com/prVoPwLsfB
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) November 1, 2023
Through all the trade rumors during the Vikings early season struggles, the high-level play of Kirk Cousins has Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wanting him back.
“Kirk played great [before the injury],” Adofo-Mensah said when asked about the future of the team and Cousins. “I think my want for Kirk to come back isn’t just a me, it isn’t just a me thing, it’s a negotiation.”
That makes the rest of the season very interesting for the Vikings. Depending on where the team finishes in the standings, they could have a shot at one of the top 5 quarterbacks entering the 2023 NFL Draft. A Cousins return could also depend on how Hall plays the rest of the season. If the fifth-round pick secures the job over Dobbs and leads the Vikings to the playoffs, well, things would get very, very interesting in Minnesota.
What can Joshua Dobbs bring to the Vikings?
Speaking of interesting, it would’ve been huge news if the Vikings traded for another Arizona Cardinals quarterback by the name of Kyler Murray. Instead, enters Joshua Dobbs, who the Vikings acquired for a sixth-round pick.
Though Hall will start this week, Dobbs is an experienced starter who showed a little bit while filling in for Murray in Arizona. Through the first eight games in Arizona, Dobbs threw for 1,569 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. With an ability to make plays with his feet, the firepower the Vikings have as far as playmakers could help Dobbs excel in Minnesota, at least in the short-term.
In addressing Dobbs and what he brings to the Vikings, head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke highly of the football intelligence of his new quarterback.
"Josh gives us an experienced player who's started some games, not only this year but last year, and has played some good football against some of the best defenses in our league," O'Connell said, via the team’s official website. "He's found ways to move the ball. He brings a level of athleticism to go with great football intelligence. He's a smart player, and I have always loved his makeup and what he's all about. He's played in a variety of offenses. I know he's excited to get going here."
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While neither quarterback is Kirk Cousins, it looks like O’Connell and the Vikings’ offense will transform to whatever style benefits the talent of either Hall or Dobbs.