by Noonie Jenkins Saints Contributor

In an unexpected twist of gridiron fate, Josh Dobbs‘ valiant Week 9 performance has catapulted him from a recent trade acquisition to the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings as they gear up for their upcoming clash with the New Orleans Saints. Announced by Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on Monday, Dobbs is set to take all the first-team reps in practice, an opportunity that stems from rookie Jaren Hall‘s concussion-related exit in the previous game.

With Hall sidelined in concussion protocol and veteran backup Nick Mullens recuperating on injured reserve, the Vikings’ quarterback room has thinned, potentially setting the stage for practice squad member and seasoned passer Sean Mannion to step up as Dobbs’ second-in-command.

The narrative of Dobbs’ career adds a compelling layer to this latest chapter. Just last week, Dobbs was donning an Arizona Cardinals uniform, leading the team as their starting quarterback since the season’s outset. The mid-season trade to Minnesota was initially viewed as a depth move, especially given the loss of Vikings’ starter Kirk Cousins to a torn right Achilles tendon and Mullens’ unavailability.

However, circumstances have thrust Dobbs into the limelight. A fourth-round selection by the Steelers out of Tennessee, Dobbs’ journeyman path through the NFL, which includes stints with Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Arizona, has now led to a pivotal starting role in Minnesota, where he’ll aim to keep the Vikings’ ambitions aloft as they face off against the Saints.