Before facing the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, the Minnesota Vikings are changing their quarterback position once more. The team has made four changes to the starting lineup since Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury to his right Achilles tendon in Week 8 (as verified by coach Kevin O’Connell on Thursday). Jaren Hall, a rookie, will start.
Nick Mullens, who struggled in his two games as the starter and finished 0-2 with 714 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions, gives way to Hall. Based on ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Vikings have a 19.8% probability of making the playoffs after these losses, which have left them hovering around the outside of the NFC playoff picture. With 30 turnovers (tied for second-most in the NFL), the team’s turnover problems have played a big part in their difficulties.
Coach O’Connell feels that giving Hall a full week of preparation and a clear game plan will be advantageous at this crucial stage. He stressed the necessity of ball control, saying, “We have to maintain possession of the football.” O’Connell expressed eagerness to see what the inexperienced player could accomplish.
Prior to the injury, Jaren Hall—a fifth-round selection in the 2023 draft—was Cousins’ backup. In Week 9, he made one start against the Atlanta Falcons, but he was sidelined with a concussion in the first quarter. The Vikings were encouraged by Hall’s performance, even if his appearance was limited. Hall showed his mobility and completed 5 of 6 throws for 78 yards.
In light of his injury, Hall underlined the necessity of playing within the system and acknowledged the physical demands of the NFL. He emphasized the value of understanding the long game of football and being strategic when executing running plays.
Justin Jefferson, a receiver with the Vikings, expressed faith in Hall’s progress and commended his capacity to pick things up quickly as a rookie quarterback. Despite Hall’s difficult year due to injuries, Jefferson believes the quarterback has a lot of promise to spark the offense.
Coach O’Connell announced that Nick Mullens will start for the Vikings as their backup quarterback on Sunday night. During his time as the starting quarterback, Mullens had several mishaps. He had six interceptions, one that was reversed because of a penalty, and two fumbles that the Vikings recovered from.
