Vikings sticking with Dobbs as starter vs. Raiders

The Minnesota Vikings are sticking with Joshua Dobbs as their starting quarterback against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday.

O'Connell said the coaching staff's goal this week is to utilize a scheme that can "help Josh thrive," according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The head coach added that Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall will both be available for the Week 14 contest.

O'Connell wouldn't commit to Dobbs as the starter following the team's poor offensive showing in its Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. He said at the time that the team would "really evaluate the inventory of plays" it had of Dobbs, per Seifert.

Dobbs took over the starting job just a few days after the Vikings acquired him. He filled in for an injured Hall in the team's Week 9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, totaling 224 yards and three touchdowns.

Since that contest, Dobbs' play has taken a turn. The 28-year-old has five touchdowns to six turnovers in the last three games, with the club going 1-2 during that stretch.

Dobbs could have some reinforcements this weekend, as star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is trending toward making his return after a seven-game absence due to a hamstring injury.