Vikings bench QB Jaren Hall for Nick Mullens after digging 23-3 halftime deficit vs. Packers
Jaren Hall is out.
After digging a 23-3 halftime hole against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings benched the rookie quarterback in favor of veteran Nick Mullens. The move didn't pay off in a 33-10 Packers win.
The decision arrives days after head coach Kevin O'Connell benched Mullens in favor of Hall for Sunday's game. But with Minnesota's playoff aspirations at stake, O'Connell made another switch in a last-ditch effort.
Mullens has started three games this season, which has also seen the Vikings start Joshua Dobbs at quarterback since full-time starter Kirk Cousins saw his season end due to an Achilles injury. Mullins threw for 411 yards last week against the Detroit Lions, but his four interceptions doomed the Vikings in a 30-24 loss that stunted their playoff hopes.
Now Mullens is back in after Hall struggled to move the ball in the first half against Green Bay. Hall completed five of 10 passes for 67 yards with an interception as the Vikings managed just three points.
The Vikings and the Packers both entered Sunday at 7-8 with their postseason hopes at stake. The win set the Packers up with a win-and-in scenario in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings aren't eliminated but need a lot to go their way next week to make the playoffs.
