newsweek
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Kirk Cousins is anticipated to make his first start in his second stint with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday when they face the Green Bay Packers. His return would provide an immediate change at quarterback for Minnesota following back-to-back defeats and would send Cousins back to the venue where his initial tenure with the Vikings came to an end.
Cousins' most recent appearance for Minnesota at Lambeau Field occurred in October 2023, when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a 24-10 win over Green Bay. Now, three years later, the Vikings are turning to their former quarterback to help stabilize a season that started with six consecutive victories.
On Tuesday, Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick. The trade reunites him with head coach Kevin O'Connell and several familiar pass-catchers, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
The opportunity holds personal significance for Cousins, who remembered questioning whether his career—or at least his time with Minnesota—was over as he was carted off the field in 2023. However, he also noted on Wednesday that returning to a meaningful place will only carry so much weight once the game kicks off.
"But you have to go make it mean something with the way you play," Cousins said.
Cousins comes back with experience in O'Connell's offense and established connections with several of Minnesota's top targets. He threw for 6,878 yards and 47 touchdowns in 25 regular-season starts under O'Connell in 2022 and 2023, giving him a head start as he prepares to take over on short notice.
He also arrives with recent production. In nine starts for Las Vegas this season, Cousins completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, posting a passer rating of 97.1.
Still, familiarity does not eliminate the preparation required. Minnesota's offense has evolved since his departure, and Cousins has only a few days to get comfortable before facing a division opponent. O'Connell stopped short of naming him the starter on Wednesday, emphasizing the need to ensure Cousins felt ready. CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz subsequently reported that Cousins took first-team practice repetitions on Thursday and was on track to start.
Green Bay presents an immediate test. The Packers enter at 6-3 after winning five of their past six games, while Minnesota is trying to protect its position after a 6-0 start.
Cousins' last appearance at Lambeau in a Vikings uniform ended with uncertainty about his future. His next could help determine Minnesota's.
Originally reported by newsweek.