Nick Mullens confirmed as Vikings starter; Jordan Hicks window opened
Nick Mullens will remain the Vikings quarterback this Sunday when the Vikings host the Lions.
Speaking to media Monday, two days after a disappointing 27-24 loss to Cincinnati, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that the team will stick with Mullens as the starting quarterback.
Mullens threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's loss but also threw two crucial interceptions in the red zone. O'Connell said that while Mullens "did a lot of good things," the 28-year-old "will continue to work toward" eliminating those key giveaways in scoring positions.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) throws under pressure fro Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) in the first quarter of a Week 15 NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
© Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
O'Connell also mentioned that the team will be opening up the 21-day practice window for linebacker Jordan Hicks on Tuesday. Hicks suffered a leg injury that required emergency surgery after the team's Week 10 win over the Saints and has been on injured reserve ever since.
With his practice window opening, Hicks could potentially be active for the team's game against Detroit on Sunday. From the day they open the window, the Vikings will have 21 days to either activate Hicks to the active roster or shut him down for the season.
Meanwhile, O'Connell said that running back Alexander Mattison, right tackle Brian O'Neill and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard are all day-to-day with their ankle injuries and that they will work towards being available to play Sunday.
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor remains in concussion protocol.
