Justin Jefferson's return will help turn things around in final stretch, ex-Vikings star Kyle Rudolph says

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The Minnesota Vikings return from a late bye week second in the NFC North and with renewed faith in quarterback Joshua Dobbs after a disappointing two-game slide. 

While other teams have closed in on the Vikings during their off week, two-time Pro Bowler and former Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph believes the return of Justin Jefferson could help turn things around in the Vikings’ final stretch of the season.  

Joshua Dobbs (15) of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates scoring a rushing touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium Nov. 12, 2023, in Minneapolis. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Wednesday Dobbs would start Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders despite committing six turnovers in the last two games. He said the time off allowed them to evaluate Dobbs and the offense for the week ahead, but he added it was not a commitment to Dobbs through the rest of the season. 

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Star wideout Justin Jefferson is also expected to make his return Sunday, more than a week after being activated to the roster. It's an addition that could help the Vikings seal a playoff spot. 

"If the season ended this past week and the wild-card round was this Saturday, the Vikings would be playing," Rudolph told Fox News Digital in an interview Wednesday.

"I think if there's anything that would make Josh Dobbs more comfortable as the quarterback, it would be having Justin Jefferson out there alongside him."

Dwight Lowery (20) of the San Diego Chargers tackles Kyle Rudolph (82) of the Minnesota Vikings during the second