With Kirk Cousins sidelined due to injury, the Minnesota Vikings are facing a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback situation. Despite their recent victory over the Packers, which didn’t elicit the usual celebratory atmosphere, Cousins’ Achilles tendon injury has likely ended his remarkable season and raised questions about his future with the team. The Vikings are now left pondering their options at quarterback.
As of now, rookie Jaren Hall is the likely starter for the upcoming game against the Falcons. Although he showed promise during his brief appearance after Cousins’ injury, Hall is relatively inexperienced, and his readiness to lead the team to the playoffs remains uncertain. Veteran backup Nick Mullens, who has 17 career starts, is also a candidate, pending his recovery from a back issue.
Furthermore, the Vikings have Sean Mannion on their practice squad, but the coaching staff is exploring all potential alternatives. Head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the importance of considering various options and building a well-rounded offense, not solely reliant on the quarterback.
In addition to internal choices, external options are being considered. The Vikings will need to acquire another quarterback, at least until Mullens is back in playing condition. Potential candidates include Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, and even Carson Wentz if available in free agency. However, trading for Kyler Murray is seen as highly unlikely due to contract constraints and the cost of acquiring him.
The Vikings’ decision-makers, O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, must weigh the team’s long-term future against the desire to remain competitive in the current season. The team’s defense and non-quarterback offensive players have been performing well, suggesting they can continue to win games without their starting quarterback. While they may not be inclined to sell key assets like Danielle Hunter, adding a significant piece to the team is also challenging given the lowered ceiling following Cousins’ injury.
Ultimately, the most sensible approach may be to give Jaren Hall a chance to showcase his potential. If he performs admirably, he could be a viable long-term option. However, if he struggles, the team could turn to Mullens, McCoy, or another option, or accept the losses while positioning themselves favorably in the draft. With the trade deadline approaching, the Vikings must make this crucial decision swiftly, illustrating the challenges they face when their typically durable quarterback is unexpectedly sidelined.
