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.
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