The Minnesota Vikings have named Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback for Sunday’s Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers. The team confirmed the decision Friday, November 13, three days after head coach Kevin O’Connell said the Vikings had not yet settled on a quarterback plan following the completion of their trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for Cousins.
Cousins, 38, had less than a week to prepare for the game, though he is familiar with the Vikings’ offense. His return to the starting lineup also brings him back to Lambeau Field, where he tore his Achilles three years ago. Minnesota’s coaching staff evidently determined he was ready to play.
## Vikings’ Other Quarterbacks Are Dealing With Injuries
Cousins’ availability is especially important given the injury concerns among the quarterbacks behind him. Kyler Murray missed practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a lingering hamstring problem. The issue also kept him out of Minnesota’s start against the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” the previous week.
Carson Wentz, meanwhile, was limited in practice on both days with an ankle injury sustained against Buffalo. In that game, he completed 8 of 25 passes and threw two interceptions. As of early Friday afternoon, the Vikings had not yet released their final injury report. Based on the information available at the time, Murray appeared unlikely to play against Green Bay, while Wentz seemed more likely to be available, potentially with a questionable designation.
## T.J. Hockenson’s Status Remains Uncertain
Tight end T.J. Hockenson also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday while dealing with wrist and chest injuries. His availability for the game at Lambeau Field remained uncertain.
Cousins’ selection as the starter shifted the betting line from Green Bay favored by 5.5 points to the Packers favored by three. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison had endured a slow first half of the season with Murray and Wentz at quarterback. Cousins’ return could give both more opportunities against a strong Green Bay defense.
