Justin Jefferson wants to see Kirk Cousins return as the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

Since Cousins went down with a torn Achilles in Week 8, the Vikings have cycled through rookie Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullins.

"It's definitely tough without him being there," Jefferson said of Cousins. "His leadership. His knowledge of the game. His awareness. There's definitely something missing not having that main piece out there on the table."

With two weeks to go, the Vikings still have a chance to sneak into the playoffs.

Cousins will be a free agent this offseason.

T.J. Hockenson tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee during the Minnesota Vikings loss to the Detroit Lions.

Hockenson will be placed on injured reserve and surgery will be scheduled soon.

Recovery from double ligament tears can take a bit more time, but Kevin O'Connell said: "Knowing T.J., the type of player he is, I'm absolutely looking forward to when we can get him back rolling and ready to have a great 2024 season."

Hockenson was having a career year in his first full season with the Vikings. He ranks second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95), third in receiving yards (960) and has been the Vikings' most consistent offensive threat.

Jared Goff wasn't even born the last time the Detroit Lions clinched a division title.

However, on Sunday, the veteran quarterback -- born in 1994 -- was at the forefront of the Lions' celebrations after securing their first division championship since 1993.

With the 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit clinched its first division title in three decades, ending the NFL's second-longest active drought without a division title next to the Cleveland Browns (1989).

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to start Nick Mullens against the Detroit Lions this coming Sunday, according to sources.

Mullens completed 26 of 33 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' 27-24 overtime loss Saturday to the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Kevin O'Connell stopped short Saturday of naming Mullens his starter moving forward but left little doubt about his assessment of his play.

"The biggest thing is Nick showed he can execute our offense and really move the football team," O'Connell said. "I think what we've got to continue to work through are those plays where we don't try to do too much."

Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is winding down his NFL career, telling the Detroit Free Press he plans to retire after the season.

Bridgewater has been a little-used backup to Jared Goff in his single season with the Lions, appearing in one game to kneel out a victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. But Bridgewater, 31, indicated he has no issues with his role.

The Minnesota Vikings will start Nick Mullins against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

Mullens, who entered the season as the Vikings' No. 2 quarterback, will become the fourth different starter in a seven-game stretch for a team with playoff aspirations.

The veteran was on injured reserve because of a back injury when Kirk Cousins ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Week 8, forcing rookie Jaren Hall to make one start and newcomer Joshua Dobbs to make four others. 

"There's a reason we went out and got Nick when we did: to really solidify that position," Kevin O'Connell said. "Anytime you're going out to try to find a quarterback that ... when he's one snap away can win you some football games, you look for certain traits. Nick has them all. I love everything about his preparation. He allows us to go prepare with a plan and doesn't need a whole lot of reps to then go in and execute that plan."

After missing seven games due to a hamstring injury, Justin Jefferson has revised his goal for the 2023 season.

Originally hoping to break the NFL record for receiving yards in a season and eclipsing the 2,000-yard mark, the Minnesota Vikings receiver has reset his sights.

"Since I got hurt the new goal is 1,000 yards," Jefferson said. "I want to end every single year over 1,000 yards."

Jefferson has 571 receiving yards with five games left on Minnesota's schedule.