Vikings turning to Hall, rookie BYU product, as starter at quarterback

Minnesota switched starting quarterbacks for a fourth time in nine weeks, handing the offense again to rookie Jaren Hall with two must-win games left for making the playoffs. Nick Mullens was benched after throwing for 714 yards and four touchdowns with six interceptions in two losses the past two weeks.

Hall, a fifth-round draft pick from Brigham Young, was the first sub summoned for Kirk Cousins (Achilles tear) but sustained a first-quarter concussion in his lone start Nov. 5. Joshua Dobbs then made four starts before being benched for Mullens. Hall is 8 of 10 passing for 101 yards.

■ Bills: Von Miller disputes allegations that he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, calling them “100 percent false” and “blown out of proportion.” The 34-year-old eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker addressed the media for the first time since turning himself in to police Nov. 30. Prosecutors have yet to file charges.

■ Dolphins: Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is expected to be sidelined Sunday because of a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 16, ESPN reported. The 25-year-old, who has 72 catches for 1,014 yards and four TDS this season, is the first Miami player with three straight seasons of 1,000 yards receiving.

■ Hall of Fame: First-time candidates Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates joined nine returning finalists who advanced to the final voting stage for the 2024 class. The 15-player ballot includes two five-time finalists in wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne.

■ Texans: Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud cleared concussion protocol and said he will start Sunday after being sidelined the past two games. The 22-year-old No. 2 draft pick has thrown for 3,631 yards and 20 TDS with five interceptions in 13 starts.