Josh Dobbs’ first start with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday will be a significant test against a New Orleans defense that won’t have to face some of Minnesota’s top receivers.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, wide receiver K.J. Osborn has cleared concussion protocol but is unlikely to play, with Werder calling it a “coach-player decision.”
Werder also says tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is dealing with a ribs/oblique injury, “won’t play as many snaps as normal but will be on the field in key situations.”
#Vikings expect TE TJ Hockenson to play today vs. #Saints but still affected by his rib/oblique injury. He won’t play as many snaps as normal but will be on field in key situations.
WR K.J. Osborn is unlikely to play despite clearing concussion protocol. Coach-player decision. pic.twitter.com/YF8273V5En— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) November 12, 2023
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero are reporting that Hockenson will play while Minnesota “wants to check” Osborn before giving him the green light.
If Hockenson is limited that means more opportunities for tight ends Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. And if Osborn is out, that means Minnesota’s top receivers will be Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, N’Keal Harry and Trishton Jackson.
- Addison: 41 catches, 534 yards, 7 TD
- Powell: 15 catches, 157 yards, 1 TD
- Jackson: 2 catches, 9 yards
- Harry: 0 catches
- Nailor: 0 catchers
Justin Jefferson has already been ruled out as he’ll miss a fifth straight game with a hamstring injury. But Rapoport says Jefferson was jumping and sprinting “without issue” on Saturday so “he’s close” and could return next Sunday night in Denver.
The #Vikings won't put WR Justin Jefferson on the field until he's ready to come off IR. But perhaps a good sign for next week?
Jefferson spent the week jumping in practice drills and was seen sprinting without issue before Saturday's walk-thru. At the very least, he's close.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2023
