Minnesota Vikings Trade for Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs Following Kirk Cousins' Achilles Injury
ICARO Media Group
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move to bolster their quarterback depth after starting QB Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles. The team announced on Tuesday that they have successfully completed a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for quarterback Josh Dobbs.
In return for Dobbs, the Vikings are sending a sixth-round pick to the Cardinals, along with receiving a conditional seventh-round pick. This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Vikings, who had been left with only one healthy quarterback on the roster following Cousins' injury.
Dobbs, who started eight games for the Cardinals this season while Kyler Murray recovered from a torn ACL, demonstrated his ability to lead an offense effectively. He completed 62.8% of his passes for 1,569 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions, showcasing his versatility with three rushing touchdowns as well.
The team turned to fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall to fill in for Cousins in their recent victory against the Green Bay Packers. Hall showed promise, going 3/4 for 23 yards, but also had a fumble on his first drive. With veteran Nick Mullens currently on injured reserve, the acquisition of Dobbs provides the Vikings with a much-needed experienced option under center.
Dobbs, a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 draft, never got the opportunity to start for them. Prior to his stint with the Cardinals, his only starting experience came in two games for the Tennessee Titans last season.
Although the Vikings have not made an official announcement regarding Cousins' injury, historical trends suggest that he will not be able to return for the remainder of the season. This places significant pressure on Dobbs to lead the team during the crucial second half of the campaign.
Next up for the Vikings is a road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Currently on a three-game winning streak, Minnesota sits at 4-4 and occupies the second spot in the NFC North, firmly in contention for a playoff spot. The addition of Dobbs is expected to provide much-needed stability on offense as the team strives to maintain their momentum.
The Vikings' decision to trade for Josh Dobbs reflects their determination to navigate through the challenges posed by Cousins' injury. With the season halfway through and the playoff race intensifying, the Vikings are hopeful that Dobbs can step in and contribute to their continued success on the field.