Vikings Announce QB Decision for Week 17
Once again, it seems that the Minnesota Vikings are going to be making a change at the QB spot.
Since Kirk Cousins’ tore his Achilles in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings have changed starting quarterbacks three times, and Week 17 will bring a fourth change as the Vikings announced on Thursday that rookie Jaren Hall is set to make his second NFL start this weekend against the Packers.
Vikings Announce QB Decision for Week 17
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported the move, tweeting, “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.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed the report shortly afterwards by announcing the decision while talking to reporters ahead of Thursday’s practice session.
Ironically, Hall’s first regular season NFL action came against these very same Packers following Cousins’ injury. Down the stretch of that win, Hall completed three of his four passes for 23 yards. A week later, he would make his first NFL start against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, Hall’s time was cut short because of a concussion suffered on Minnesota’s second drive of the game. As the rookie QB dove for the end zone on a scramble, he was hit in the head by a Falcons defender and promptly left the game while being replaced by Josh Dobbs.
Prior to the injury, Hall had actually performed pretty well. He completed five of his six passes for 78 yards while consistently looking poised and comfortable in the pocket.
Hall now gets his first opportunity to build on his performance in Atlanta with a must-win game under the primetime lights. The Packers and Vikings each head into Sunday night’s matchup with 7-8 records, and a loss will more than likely eliminate either team from playoff contention.
The decision to start comes following a four-INT showing from Nick Mullens against the Detroit Lions, which the Vikings lost 30-24. Both Dobbs and Mullens have proven to be turnover machines in recent starts, so Minnesota is hoping that Hall can take better care of the football and help lead them to wins down the stretch.
Kickoff between the Packers and Vikings is set for Sunday, December 31st at 7:20 PM Central inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.