Jaren Hall’s first NFL snaps came under duress on Sunday.
With starting quarterback Kirk Cousins carted off the field with an injury, Hall stepped in with nine minutes left against the Packers and finished off a 24-10 Vikings win.
The former BYU quarterback went 3 of 4 with 23 yards and a sack in his limited time. He also had two carries for less than a yard.
It was just two weeks ago that Hall was elevated to the backup role after Nick Mullens went on injured reserve.
The timeline for Cousin’s injury is unclear. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said it could be a season-ending Achilles tear. Cousins is undergoing tests.
“We are fearing an Achilles injury,” O’Connell said. “The severity of that, I do not know at this point. But I know that’s what our fear is at this moment.”
Hall was drafted in the fifth round last year after throwing for 6,174 yards and 52 touchdowns at BYU. He was a two-year starter and won 18 games in his career.
He is also a Utah native, playing at Maple Mountain High School before committing to BYU.
If Cousins is out long-term, O’Connell would not committ to Hall being the long-term starter. Mullens could return soon. The Vikings could also look outside the building.
“Yeah we are going to talk about that,” O’Connell said. “First and foremost we will confirm the severity of the injury. And then we will talk internall. Get a lot of opinions and thoughts on where we are at. I did think Jaren came in and did a nice job. It is not easy to come in cold, legitimately cold, and get a couple completions there.”
Hall said he feels like he could start if called upon.
“I pride myself on preparation,” Hall said. “So once you get on the field, it is just a game. So I feel like I’m more than capable and ready to do whatever is asked of me.”
