Purple Headlines of the Week: Dobbs’ Wild Week 9, Jefferson’s Imminent Comeback, Vikings Lose Another RB
The Minnesota Vikings are riding high after another dazzling performance against the Atlanta Falcons last weekend.
Over the course of the week following the win, there has been plenty of news to keep track of in the Vikings universe.
Here is a look at some of the purple headlines of the past week following another huge Vikings victory in Week 9.
Josh Dobbs Shines in Vikings Debut
Just five days after the Vikings acquired QB Josh Dobbs via trade with the Arizona Cardinals, he was thrown into his first game in a purple uniform. Jaren Hall suffered a concussion in the first quarter, requiring Dobbs to finish the day.
After a couple rough drives to begin his day, Dobbs quickly found a rhythm and began putting together quality drives. He finished his day completing 20-of-30 passes for 158 yards and a pair of passing TDs along with 7 carries for 66 yards and another rushing TD.
With the Vikings down 28-24 in the final two minutes, Dobbs drove the team down the field and hit Brandon Powell for the game-winning TD. As a result of his incredible performance on very short notice, the newest Vikings QB won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award and now gets to build off that showing in Week 10 against the Saints.
Justin Jefferson on the Road to Return
The Vikings have won four straight games, which in and of itself is an impressive feat in the NFL. Doing so without the help of their star WR1 Justin Jefferson is something that nobody could have predicted after their 1-4 start to the year.
It’s been an incredible run for Minnesota over the past month, but the Vikings may soon have their star receiver back. On Wednesday, the Vikings opened Jefferson’s 21-day practice window, and he was listed as a limited participant on the injury report.
Based on comments from Jefferson himself and head coach Kevin O’Connell, it doesn’t sound like the receiver will be back to play against the Saints, but regardless, it seems that he will be back in the lineup rather soon.
Vikings Lose Cam Akers to Achilles Injury
The Vikings are dealing with a number of different injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Minnesota went into Sunday’s game against Atlanta without Kirk Cousins, Christian Darrisaw, or Jefferson, and now, they are reeling from another season-ending injury.
RB Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles last weekend, meaning the Vikings are going to need to find a new solution at the RB2 position behind Alexander Mattison.
For now, it looks like Ty Chandler or Kene Nwangwu could be in line to take on the position, which is an exciting proposition. We haven’t gotten a chance to see much of either of them throughout their NFL careers, so hopefully, one or both of them are able to thrive in the offense moving forward.
In Case You Missed It…
- Week 10 NFL Power Rankings
- 4 Vikings Who Have Earned a Chance to Stay in Minnesota Next Season
- Vikings Newcomer Keeps Taking Steps at Corner
- The Updated List of Vikings Pending Free Agents
- Some Praise for 2 Unsung Vikings Contributors
Vikings Place Cam Akers on IR and Make Another QB Move
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.