Kevin SeifertESPN Staff Writer Oct 31, 2023, 1:54 PM ET3 minutes read
Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs scores with “tush push”
Josh Dobbs scores a 1-yard TD to give the Cardinals an early lead over the Ravens.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals just hours before Tuesday afternoon’s NFL trade deadline, giving them some depth as they navigate the rest of the season without starter Kirk Cousins.
Until Dobbs passes his physical exam, the Vikings will acquire him and a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft for a 2024 sixth-round pick. The conditional pick could become a sixth-round pick due to Dobbs’ playing time, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cousins’ torn right Achilles tendon left the Vikings with rookie Jaren Hall, the only healthy quarterback on their 53-man roster. Backup Nick Mullens will be on injured reserve for at least another week with a back injury, while veteran Sean Mannion has been on the practice squad since October 11.
Hall will start in the Vikings’ game at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, coach Kevin O’Connell said Tuesday. Dobbs will “potentially” play a supporting role for the game, O’Connell said.
With Kyler Murray sidelined after tearing his ACL last season, Dobbs started the Cardinals’ first eight games and threw for 1,569 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. The Cardinals are 1-7 this season.
Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in the Vikings’ win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Hall replaced Cousins on Sunday at Lambeau Field, completing three of four passes for 23 yards and losing a fumble on a sack.
The Vikings have won their last three games and improved to 4-4. Cousins, who was selected to two straight Pro Bowls, had another strong season. He is tied for the NFL lead with 18 touchdown passes, has thrown for 2,331 yards and was intercepted just five times.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon announced Monday that Dobbs would not start Sunday’s game at the Cleveland Browns. A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Arizona plans to start rookie Clayton Tune.
However, Gannon said Monday that there is a chance Murray could start as he continues to push his return from ACL surgery. Gannon said the timing of Murray’s return to the field will be determined more by the Cardinals than who they play. Murray’s 21-day practice window after returning from the physically unable to play list ends Nov. 8, days before Arizona hosts the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss contributed to this report.