Vikings QB Jaren Hall, WR K.J. Osborn out with concussions
ATLANTA — The Minnesota Vikings suffered a major blow on Sunday as quarterback Jaren Hall and wide receiver K.J. Osborn both sustained concussions during the game and will not be able to return, according to the team.
Hall’s injury occurred in the first quarter of his first NFL start. After a 3-yard scramble on third down, he was hit hard by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah and linebacker Kaden Elliss, causing the back of his helmet to hit the turf forcefully at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Despite initially alarming signs, Hall managed to walk off the field under his own power.
Replacing Hall was Josh Dobbs, who was acquired by the Vikings just last week from the Arizona Cardinals following a season-ending Achilles injury to starter Kirk Cousins.
Shortly after, the Vikings also lost wide receiver K.J. Osborn to a concussion. With only 4:06 remaining in the second quarter, Osborn was hit in the head by Okudah after pulling in a 13-yard pass from Dobbs to convert a third-and-8. Osborn remained motionless for a few moments before being surrounded by his concerned teammates.
Medical officials initially brought out a backboard, but Osborn eventually regained his footing and walked to a cart under his own power. As he was driven into the Vikings’ locker room, he gave a thumbs-up, providing some relief to his worried teammates and fans.
The injuries to Hall and Osborn leave the Vikings without two of their top three wide receivers. Justin Jefferson is currently on the injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he suffered last month.
During his brief time on the field, Hall completed 5 of 6 passes for 78 yards. However, Dobbs, who took over as the quarterback, was sacked for a safety on his third play in the game.
At the start of the season, the Vikings had veteran Nick Mullens as Cousins’ primary backup. However, Mullens has been on injured reserve since October 11 due to a back injury. This left Dobbs as the only other quarterback on the active roster for Sunday’s game, while Sean Mannion remains on the practice squad.