The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an interesting spot because at 5-4 they’re well in the mix for a playoff spot but are shorthanded offensively.

The Vikings will be without Kirk Cousins for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season after he tore his Achilles, but the team quickly pivoted when they traded for Joshua Dobbs.

Dobbs is slated to start for Minnesota in their Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, but he could have a much tougher time considering the Saints’ defensive personnel.

Although Dobbs has been better than anticipated, it remains to be seen how he’ll look against a New Orleans team that had a week to prepare for him.

There was some hope earlier in the week that Justin Jefferson would make his return from a hamstring injury as he returned to the practice field.

However, it looks like the Vikings are being cautious with their star receiver and won’t activate him off of injured reserve via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned that it would be aggressive for Jefferson to suit up against the Saints, so the news is hardly surprising.

Hamstring injuries, like all other soft-issue ailments, are easy to re-aggravate so Minnesota is doing the right thing by ramping up Jefferson slowly.

Because his activation window was opened, Jefferson will return at some point during the regular season though fans will have to wait at least one more week to see him in action again.

For now, Minnesota has to hope that Dobbs can keep the magic going and lead them to another victory.