Quarterback Kirk Cousins will start for the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Friday.
Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the trade deadline, bringing the veteran quarterback back to the franchise he left after the 2023 season. Cousins spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and the Raiders before returning to the Vikings.
“I can’t say enough about his credit for getting here and how he’s handled the week,” O’Connell said, according to ESPN Deportes. “Both he and the coaching staff have worked intensively to prepare him, taking advantage of every possible moment.”
Cousins participated in only two practices with Minnesota on Thursday and Friday after spending Wednesday morning reviewing the playbook he first learned when O’Connell arrived in 2022.
“It’s something we’ve always known about him, but the way he threw the ball this week was something really fantastic to see,” O’Connell said.
The offense will face the Packers without several regular contributors. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is sidelined with wrist and chest injuries sustained during a 23-6 Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills. Wide receiver Jordan Addison was listed as questionable Friday due to a thumb injury sustained in practice. Linebacker Blake Cashman (concussion) and defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (ankle) were also ruled out.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson expressed enthusiasm about Cousins stepping back into the starting role.
Jefferson ranks 53rd in the NFL with 31 receptions and 34th with 56.1 receiving yards per game through nine weeks, having played five starts with J.J. McCarthy and two with Carson Wentz.
The Vikings face the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. local time (18:00 UTC).
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