The Minnesota Vikings were put in a bind after Kirk Cousins went down with an injury earlier this year. Minnesota has trotted out an assortment of quarterbacks since then. Ahead of Week 17, Minnesota made a move again at the quarterback position. This time, rookie Jaren Hall will start, per the team.
The Vikings will play their longtime rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on ‘Sunday Night Football’ this New Year’s Eve. Minnesota still has a chance at the playoffs, so this is a crucial affair.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news on Thursday afternoon.
“A QB change for the Vikings: This time, rookie Jaren Hall will start,” Rapoport said. “His last start was shortened by injury, and Hall gets another chance with the season on the line.”
A QB change for the #Vikings: This time, rookie Jaren Hall will start, per me and @TomPelissero, as Nick Mullens head to the bench.
His last start was shortened by injury, and Hall gets another chance with the season on the line. pic.twitter.com/X2yhnP1aOD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2023
Hall has seen limited time this season. He appeared in two games this year. Hall played the Packers, fittingly enough, on October 29 and went 3-for-4 for 34 yards. In a win over Atlanta, he made a brief appearance, going 5-for-6 for 78 yards. He’s yet to throw a single touchdown or interception at this point in his career.
Minnesota needs wins and some help in order to sneak their way into the NFL Playoffs. With a fluid QB situation, players like Justin Jefferson will need to step up as well as their defense. The unit last year was a problem, but this year, they’ve somewhat turned the corner. That helps explain why they’re still in the playoff hunt even without their star quarterback.
The NFL world reacted to the news.
https://twitter.com/BrendanDzw/status/1740443431066083412
Joe Barry tricking the Vikings into thinking they have their franchise qb can't believe this is my life smiling through it all https://t.co/XyhTiBg1Fb pic.twitter.com/pFdNBXgWNc
— nalesh patel (nfc north champs) (@pate16181) December 28, 2023
Finally, I don’t care if he has 7 interceptions, I’m happy for now. https://t.co/YR4QUBibgr pic.twitter.com/igypkrBiXl
— Amran (@amran2828) December 28, 2023
Jaren Hall offensive player of the week award incoming https://t.co/ocxz5ChcEB pic.twitter.com/j2J3PxwyYB
— acinthe715.bsky.social (@ACinthe715) December 28, 2023
Jaren Hall right now: https://t.co/ep663CSonA pic.twitter.com/h37NwWSIvz
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) December 28, 2023
