Vikings’ Jaren Hall Sidelined with Concussion; Josh Dobbs Steps In at QB
By Kevin Seifert | Nov 5, 2023, 01:47 PM ET
ATLANTA – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall sustained a concussion during the first quarter of his inaugural NFL start on Sunday and will not be returning to the game, according to an announcement by the team.
Injury Occurrence
Hall suffered the injury towards the end of the team’s second possession after a 3-yard scramble on third down. He took a hard hit from Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah and linebacker Kaden Elliss, causing the back of his helmet to collide forcefully with the turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The severity of the hit prompted immediate calls for medical assistance, although Hall managed to walk off the field under his own power.
Replacement Quarterback
Josh Dobbs, who was acquired by the Vikings from the Arizona Cardinals last week following starting quarterback Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles injury, took over for Hall. Dobbs’ debut was marked by a safety as he was sacked on his third play in the game.
Additional Injury
The Vikings also suffered another blow when receiver K.J. Osborn sustained a concussion with 4:06 remaining in the second quarter. After making a 13-yard catch from Dobbs to convert a third-and-8, Osborn was struck in the head by Okudah. Osborn remained motionless for a brief period before being surrounded by his teammates on the field.
Impact on Team
The loss of Osborn added to the Vikings’ woes as they were already without their top receiver, Justin Jefferson, who is on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. This left the team without two of their top three receivers.
Statistics
Hall had a productive start, completing five of six passes for 78 yards before his exit. However, Dobbs’ introduction to the game was less successful, resulting in a safety on his third play.
Quarterback Depth
Initially, the Vikings had veteran Nick Mullens as Cousins’ primary backup, but Mullens has been on injured reserve since October 11 due to a back injury. Dobbs was the only other quarterback on the active roster for Sunday’s game, while Sean Mannion remains on the practice squad.
Kevin Seifert is an ESPN staff writer covering the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL. With over 20 years of experience covering the NFL, he joined ESPN in 2008 after working as a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. Follow him on Twitter @SeifertESPN.