Sunday’s first start for Josh Dobbs and the Minnesota Vikings will be a crucial test for him because the New Orleans defence won’t have to deal with some of Minnesota’s best receivers.
Wide receiver K.J. Osborn has cleared the concussion protocol, but it is unlikely that he will play, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, who refers to this as a “coach-player decision.”As for tight end T.J. Hockenson, he’s been dealing with an oblique/ribs injury, and according to Werder, “won’t play as many snaps as normal but will be on the field in key situations.”
While Minnesota “wants to check” Osborn before giving him the go-ahead, Hockenson will play, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt, two tight ends, will have more opportunities if Hockenson is restricted. And with Osborn sidelined, Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, N’Keal Harry, and Trishton Jackson will be Minnesota’s primary receivers.Addison: 534 yards, 7 touchdowns, 41 catches
Powell: 157 yards, 1 touchdown, 15 catches
Jackson: 9 yards, 2 catches
Harry: not one catch
Nailor: not one catcher
Due to a hamstring injury, Justin Jefferson has already been ruled out and will miss his fifth straight game. Yet according to Rapoport, Jefferson was leaping and running “without issue” on Saturday, indicating that “he’s close” and might make a comeback in Denver on Sunday night.
