EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Wednesday announced they have designated quarterback Nick Mullens to return from Injured Reserve.

The move opens up a 21-day evaluation window for the veteran who was placed on IR because of a back injury on Oct. 11.

So much has happened at the quarterback position since then.

Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury at Green Bay on Oct. 29. Rookie Jaren Hall filled in for Cousins to finish that game.

Hall then made his first career start at Atlanta the following week but left the game late in the first quarter after suffering a concussion. Joshua Dobbs, who was acquired in a trade on Oct. 31, filled in for Hall and helped spark a comeback victory in the final minute against the Falcons.

With Hall still in concussion protocol last week, Dobbs made his first Vikings start and was backed up by veteran Sean Mannion, who was elevated from the practice squad but did not play.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday that Dobbs will start Minnesota's Week 11 game at Denver on Sunday Night Football.

Mullens appeared in four games for Minnesota last season after his acquisition through a trade with Las Vegas in August 2022.