Former Alabama prep QB on the way back for the Vikings..

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens scrambles during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 8, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago.

When Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury on Oct. 29, the Vikings were in trouble. Minnesota not only lost a four-time Pro Bowl QB, but Cousins’ backup, Nick Mullens, had been on injured reserve since Oct. 11 because of a back injury.

On Wednesday, Mullens returned to practice, opening a 21-day window during which he can be restored to the Vikings’ active roster. But when Mullens suits up again, he won’t be riding to the rescue as the Vikings’ starting quarterback.

When Cousins got hurt, it elevated fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall. After making his NFL debut to finish the game in which Cousins got hurt, Hall made his first NFL start on Nov. 5 against the Atlanta Falcons.

But after 15 snaps, Hall left the game to be examined for a concussion. That left Minnesota with Josh Dobbs to play quarterback. Dobbs had started eight games for Arizona, but with Kyler Murray on the way from injured reserve, the Cardinals traded Dobbs to the Vikings on Oct. 31