Kirk Cousins to Start for Vikings Against Packers on Sunday, Five Days After Trade
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Friday that Kirk Cousins will start at quarterback against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, just five days after the Vikings reacquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders at the NFL trade deadline.
The announcement ends a week of speculation about whether the 38-year-old veteran would be ready to play so soon after returning to Minnesota. Cousins practiced with the team only twice this week, on Thursday and Friday, but his familiarity with O’Connell’s offense allowed him to step straight into the starting job.
“I can’t give him enough credit for coming in here and how he’s gone about the week,” O’Connell said on Friday, “both him and the coaching staff, getting him ready to go, working extremely hard, using all the time we possibly can. 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.”
A reunion three years in the making
Cousins was the Vikings’ starting quarterback from 2018 through 2023, including the last two seasons under O’Connell. The two were also together in Washington in 2017. When O’Connell was hired as Minnesota’s head coach in 2022, Cousins learned the playbook the two spent much of Wednesday morning working through again this week. O’Connell added that “the way he threw the football this week was just a really cool thing to see.”
The Vikings acquired Cousins at Tuesday’s trade deadline in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. It was a homecoming born of necessity: Minnesota has cycled through eight different starting quarterbacks and made 14 in-season quarterback changes since Cousins tore his right Achilles tendon at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 — an injury that ended his first stint with the team. He threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns that night before going down, and he has not played at Lambeau Field since. Sunday will be his sixth start on the road against the Packers as a member of the Vikings.
Murray out, Wentz benched after rough Monday night
The quarterback carousel spun again this week. Kyler Murray, who started six games for Minnesota this season, is ruled out for Sunday with a hamstring injury after not practicing all week. Carson Wentz started Monday night’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills and, according to NBC Sports, delivered the worst game by a Vikings starting quarterback since 2006.
Cousins, by contrast, has been effective this season. He ranks ninth in EPA per dropback and 11th in passer rating among 31 qualifying quarterbacks, according to TruMedia.
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Why this matters
Sunday’s game carries real weight in the NFC North. The 6-2 Vikings sit third in the division behind the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions, and a win at Lambeau Field would keep them firmly in the race. Minnesota already beat Green Bay in the season opener in Minneapolis, and a sweep would be a significant statement for a team that has spent three years searching for stability at quarterback.
The matchup also tests how much a veteran quarterback can do with almost no preparation time. Cousins knows the system, the building and many of his teammates — but he has had only two full practices to prepare for one of the league’s loudest road environments.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur saw it coming, saying Wednesday: “He’ll be out there. He’ll be starting, I’m fairly confident of that.” The Packers have spent the week game-planning as if Cousins would be under center.
Latest developments
Cousins will not have his full complement of pass catchers on Sunday. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is out with wrist and chest injuries suffered in Monday night’s loss to Buffalo, and wide receiver Jordan Addison (thumb) is questionable after being hurt in Friday’s practice. The Vikings also ruled out linebacker Blake Cashman (concussion), defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (ankle) and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf); outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (calf) and safety Josh Metellus (shoulder) are questionable.
Green Bay is dealing with its own injury problems. The Packers ruled out running back Josh Jacobs (finger), edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee/illness), center Sean Rhyan (ankle) and tight end Josh Whyle (concussion), while safety Xavier McKinney (foot) is questionable.
Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field, televised on Fox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Kirk Cousins start for the Vikings against the Packers?
Yes. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Friday, November 13, that Cousins will start on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, five days after Minnesota reacquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders.
When did the Vikings trade for Kirk Cousins?
The Vikings acquired Cousins at the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 10, sending a 2027 third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins was Minnesota’s starting quarterback from 2018 to 2023 before leaving in free agency.
What time is the Vikings vs. Packers game?
The game kicks off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and will be televised on Fox. The Vikings won the first meeting between the teams this season in Minneapolis.
The Vikings bet their season on a familiar face at the most familiar position in football. On Sunday at Lambeau Field, five days after his return, Kirk Cousins gets the chance to show that some homecomings do not need a warm-up.
Sources: TSN (Associated Press), NBC Sports, theScore, Yardbarker, Heavy.
