Initially, veteran quarterback Sean Mannion was brought in last month to be a live arm for the Vikings in practice. At the time, fellow backup Nick Mullens was being placed on injured reserve, and rookie Jaren Hall was moving up the depth chart.

Now, a month later, journeyman Josh Dobbs will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings when they host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, and Mannion will be his backup. Though he’s technically on the practice squad, Mannion will be elevated to the active roster at some point this weekend.

It’s a strange time for Vikings quarterbacks as franchise player Kirk Cousins is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Mullens is still on injured reserve with a back injury, and Hall is out with a concussion.

The biggest reason Mannion was brought in last month was the fact that he had familiarity with the offense. He served as Cousins’ backup for a couple of seasons before being replaced. He’s back in that role for the Vikings for the time being.

Asked who the emergency quarterback would be if somehow Dobbs and Mannion go down, too, head coach Kevin O’Connell laughed, then told reporters he was going to keep that information to himself.

“We’ve made some decisions,” O’Connell said. “We’ve narrowed the list and kind of got some guys ready to go.”

Jefferson listed as questionable

Though he likely won’t play this weekend, star receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is officially being listed as questionable. Asked for clarification regarding the injury designation, O’Connell said Jefferson is continuing to work his way back to 100 percent.

“We’re just trying to be smart,” O’Connell said. “Almost hold him back from doing too much too soon because of how good he feels.”

The other players on the roster being listed as questionable are tight end T.J. Hockenson (ribs), receiver K.J. Osborn (concussion), linebacker Brian Asamoah (ankle) and offensive guard Chris Reed (foot). Defensive tackle Dean Lowry (groin) is listed as doubtful.

Darrisaw likely to return

After missing last week’s game with a groin injury, left tackle Christian Darrisaw appears to be good to go for this weekend. He responded well to work in practice this week and does not have an injury designation heading into Sunday’s game against the Saints.

“He did really well,” O’Connell said. “He was able to gain strength early on this week and then progress.”

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