Sources: Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens to start vs. Lions

EAGAN, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings are expected to give quarterback Nick Mullens his second straight start in Sunday's key divisional game against the Detroit Lions, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Mullens completed 26 of 33 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings' 27-24 overtime loss Saturday to the Cincinnati Bengals. He threw two interceptions in the second quarter to end scoring threats, but largely adhered to coach Kevin O'Connell's philosophy of getting the ball to the wide receivers. Rookie Jordan Addison caught six passes for 111 yards and both scores, while Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 84 yards in his first full game since Week 4.

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

“Most importantly, Nick showed he can execute our offense and really get the football team going,” O’Connell said. “I think we need to continue to work on those games where we’re not trying to do too much.”

Mullens opened the season as the Vikings' No. 2 quarterback behind Kirk Cousins, but he was on injured reserve due to a back injury when Cousins ​​ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Week 8. The Vikings started rookie Jaren Hall once, then newcomer Joshua Dobbs for four games before turning to Mullens, who had been activated from injured reserve on November 18.

Saturday was the 18th start of Mullens' NFL career. His teams are 5-13 in those games.