The forgotten man on the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback depth chart is about to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Jaren Hall’s Second-Year Surge
Second-year fifth-round pick Jaren Hall turned heads with another stellar performance in Saturday’s preseason clash against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Just a week after dazzling with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 at Cleveland, Hall orchestrated a masterclass, leading the Minnesota offense to a resounding 23 points across five drives.
Completing 17 of 25 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns is no small feat, translating to an impressive (albeit more subdued) passer rating of 116.2. Hall’s precision and poise are akin to a maestro conducting a symphony, each play resonating with perfect pitch and timing.
The Comeback Kid
Last year, Hall got his moment in the limelight with the first post-Kirk Cousins start. But alas, the then-rookie suffered a concussion on the opening drive in a collision course at Atlanta. This year, Hall is poised to position himself as the third-string quarterback on Minnesota’s roster, trailing only Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens. Still, one can’t help but wonder if this dynamic athlete will leapfrog Mullens at some point.
A Trio You Can’t Ignore
Regardless of the depth chart shuffle, it’s clear the Vikings aren’t letting go of this trio. If they were to attempt slipping Hall to the practice squad, it’s likely he wouldn’t clear waivers — like trying to sneak a giant past a guard dog.
In a sport where fortunes can change with the flick of a wrist, Hall’s rise from forgotten man to potential hero is a narrative all NFL fans can rally behind. Stay tuned, because Jaren Hall has just begun to show us the magic he can conjure on the field.
