.NEWSJaren Hall, the Vikings’ rookie quarterback, ;will start against the Packers.

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Jaren Hall, a rookie quarterback for the Vikings, will start against the Packers Minnesota
AUTHOR COLE PREMO

CBS Minnesota, December 28, 2023, 12:50 PM CST

EAGAN, Minnesota On Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, rookie quarterback Jaren Hall of the Minnesota Vikings will get the start.

On Thursday afternoon, head coach Kevin O’Connell discussed the quarterback switch.

“Jaren has had a fantastic few weeks of training, and I’m excited to see what he can do. We brought Jaren here for many reasons, many of them had to do with his abilities, according to O’Connell.

In the team’s last two games, which they have lost, Nick Mullens has started and thrown six interceptions. He has also fumbled twice, but both were recovered by the Vikings.

Following Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury in late October, Joshua Dobbs ignited things. When Dobbs entered the game during the second drive against the Atlanta Falcons, Hall was hurt. Mullens was recovering from a back ailment, thus he was unavailable.

Dobbs was benched in favor of Mullens during the team’s 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders because he was unable to maintain that level of performance.

Even if they manage to make it into the playoffs, the squad is beset with injuries and is unlikely to mount a serious challenge. T.J. Hockenson’s season-long absence is a severe blow to the offense. The number of injuries on both sides of the ball is just too great to overcome.

If Hall struggles, the organization will also have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done at the position this offseason. The Cousins have no contract for the upcoming season. The Vikings will still need to determine whether Hall can be Cousins’ backup if they decide to re-sign him.

Jaire Alexander, a cornerback for the Packers, will not play against Minnesota on Sunday. Because of what he did during the Packers vs. Panthers game, he received a suspension. The game will begin at 7:20 p.m.

Hall is a rookie selected in the fifth round of the Brigham Young University draft.

Hall started for two seasons at BYU, tallying 52 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. With a career passer efficiency rating of 65.2%, he shares fourth place in school history with Hall of Famer Steve Young. During those two seasons, he contributed 657 running yards as well.

Following the NFL Draft, Hall’s precise throws and ability to make decisions were highlighted by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.