The lessons that 28-year-old quarterback Nick Mullens said he has learned through a trying season, which has included a strained lower back, a five-week stay on injured reserve and a recent benching, also apply to how Vikings coaches want him to approach Sunday's game in Detroit.
"Just stay patient," Mullens said Thursday. "Do your job. Don't do too much."
The Vikings turned back to Mullens for a third start in the last four games after rookie quarterback Jaren Hall struggled and was benched in Sunday's loss to the Packers.