Minnesota @ Atlanta preview
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 18, 2020 ) Atlanta 40, Minnesota 23
After losing their team leader to injury, the Minnesota Vikings will turn to a rookie quarterback when they visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon.
Minnesota (4-4) faces its first game since Kirk Cousins went down late in last week's game against the Green Bay Packers. Cousins quickly was diagnosed with a torn right Achilles tendon, ending his season.
Jaren Hall, a rookie fifth-round pick out of BYU, stepped in for Cousins and completed 3 of 4 passes for 23 yards in a 24-10 victory over the Packers. Hall is expected to make his first career start against the Falcons.
Atlanta (4-4) also is looking to climb back above .500 with a win this weekend. The Falcons are coming off a 28-23 loss against the Tennessee Titans in which they allowed quarterback Will Levis to throw four touchdown passes in his NFL debut.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith subsequently announced a change at quarterback for at least this week. Veteran Taylor Heinicke, who had served as the No. 2 option to start the season, will start against the Vikings in place of Desmond Ridder.
The move was based on matchups, Smith said, and does not mean Ridder has lost the job for the long haul. Ridder has thrown for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions this season, while Heinicke has thrown for 175 yards, one touchdown and no picks in spot duty.
"There are a lot of variables," Smith said. "Just kind of where we are at right now, getting ready to play the Vikings. Really our focus is short term and what gives us the best chance. This is not some grand statement for forever."
The Vikings also could be contemplating a quarterback change soon. Two days after Cousins went down, they acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals.
Dobbs is expected to sit this weekend as he learns a new offense, but he could be the top option going forward as Minnesota maintains its focus on trying to win the NFC North.
In eight starts this season, Dobbs passed for 1,569 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions for the Cardinals. He also rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns.
"Josh gives us an experienced player who's started some games, not only this year but last year, and has played some good football against some of the best defenses in our league," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. "He's found ways to move the ball.
"He brings a level of athleticism to go with great football intelligence. He's a smart player, and I have always loved what he's all about. He's played in a variety of offenses, and I know he's excited to get going here."
Both teams are dealing with a few injuries at other positions.
The Falcons' Wednesday injury report included wideout Drake London (groin) and safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring), neither of whom took part in the team's first full practice of the week.
The Vikings practiced without defensive end Dean Lowry (groin) on Wednesday. Several others were limited, including linebacker Brian Asamoah (ankle), cornerback Akayleb Evans (neck) and wide receiver K.J. Osborn (chest).
This will be the teams' first meeting since Oct. 18, 2020, when Atlanta rolled to a 40-23 win. The Vikings lead the all-time regular-season series 19-11.
--Field Level Media