Vikings Name Cousins Starter After Five-Day Reunion
Minnesota's head coach confirmed the quarterback will play Sunday against Green Bay despite having only two full practices with the team.
By Grace Almasi ·
Kirk Cousins returns to the Minnesota Vikings starting lineup on Sunday, a decision confirmed by head coach Kevin O'Connell on Friday.
The Vikings reacquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders at the trade deadline five days prior to the matchup against the Green Bay Packers. O'Connell stated that Cousins has used the limited available time effectively to prepare for the game.
"It's been really impressive what he's been able to do, and just the command and getting right back in the huddle with a lot of guys he's played with but certainly some guys he hasn't," O'Connell said.
The quarterback spent much of Wednesday morning reviewing the playbook he originally learned under O'Connell in 2022. Since leaving Minnesota after the 2023 season, Cousins played for the Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons. He participated in two full practices with the Vikings on Thursday and Friday.
O'Connell noted that the team watched for signs of hesitation or discomfort but found none. "The way he threw the football this week was just a really cool thing to see," the coach added.
The offense will face personnel issues on Sunday. Tight end T.J. Hockenson will sit out due to wrist and chest injuries sustained during Monday night's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Wide receiver Jordan Addison is listed as questionable with a thumb injury sustained in practice.
The Vikings will also be without linebacker Blake Cashman, who is dealing with a concussion, and defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, who is out with an ankle injury.
