Despite what Kevin O’Connell labelled “critical errors” in a Week 15 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Minnesota Vikings are sticking with quarterback Nick Mullens.
But, as the Mullens-led offence enters the last three weeks of the season, there have been queries about why rookie Jaren Hall, who impressed in a Week 9 start against the Atlanta Falcons, has not been considered for the starting job.
According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, Mullens is on a leash with his dog.
Turnover issues are a well-known feature of his game, yet the team is hesitant to give Hall the starting job.
“I’ve heard there’s a reluctance to go with the rookie,” Wolfson told SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast. “As long as the playoffs are attainable they’re not ready to throw Jaren Hall out there.”
Hall, who was taken in the fifth round and signed a four-year, $4.1 million contract, was labelled a developmental project after Mullens was named Kirk Cousins’ backup to begin the season. Hall showed promise against the Falcons, completing 5-of-6 throw attempts for 78 yards before being knocked off with a concussion.
That performance has kept him in greater regard than Josh Dobbs. On the depth chart, Hall is classified as the No. 2 quarterback and would be the in-game replacement if Mullens were to suffer an injury during a game.
Beyond having a backup plan, Hall might be called upon if Mullens makes numerous mistakes this week in a crucial NFC North division matchup against the Detroit Lions on December 24.
“If it’s multiple catastrophic mistakes on Sunday, I don’t know how you wouldn’t, in the moment, make the change,” he said.
