EAGAN, Minn. — Let the Jaren Hall era begin... again.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that Hall, a rookie out of BYU, would start Sunday's critical contest against the Green Bay Packers. It will be Hall's second career start as both the Vikings and Packers look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
"He's had a few great weeks of preparation and I look forward to seeing what Jaren can do," said O'Connell on Thursday. "There's a lot of reasons why we brought Jaren here, having to do with his ability and what we look forward to seeing come to life on Sunday night."
Hall started in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons after Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles the previous week. His start, however, was cut short when he was hit hard near the goal line on just the second offensive drive of the game. The 25-year-old missed the remainder of the game and was placed in concussion protocol. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who had just joined the team a few days prior, rallied Minnesota to a 31-28 victory.
"It took about two weeks," said Hall when asked Thursday about his recovery. "I wasn't out for those two games following Atlanta — I wasn't there traveling with the team or at the games — so it was about two weeks and then I started feeling myself again."
Before leaving the game, Hall completed 5 of 6 passes for 78 yards before his head hit the turf hard while scrambling on an early 3rd-and-goal play. Dobbs took it from there and remained the starting QB for four weeks before getting benched against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nick Mullens became the team's fourth different starting quarterback in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. In two games, Mullens was able to move the ball (714 yards passing), but made too many ill-advised throws that resulted in six interceptions, including a four-interception game Sunday against the Detroit Lions. His final throw, a wobbling ball near the goal line, sealed the victory for the Lions and bumped the Vikings out of a playoff position.
"Big test for us this week within the division with Green Bay at home, it will be a great opportunity for us," said Hall. "As always, laser-focused on the game Sunday night and taking care of what we need to do."
Both the Vikings and Packers can still reach the postseason, however, they'll need some help to slip into one of the remaining wild card positions. And a win Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium could go a long way.
Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. and will be aired on KARE 11.
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