Cousins Returns to Minnesota as Vikings Prepare for Packers

Cousins returned to the Vikings after nearly three years away, reuniting with coach Kevin O’Connell and an offense he knows well. Minnesota is working toward having him play Sunday against the Packers, though O’Connell said the team wants to ensure Cousins is physically ready before deciding whether he will start.

The Vikings sent a 2027 third-round draft pick to Las Vegas for Cousins. Kyler Murray, sidelined by a strained hamstring, had not resumed practicing, while Carson Wentz was coming off a 23-6 loss to Buffalo in which he completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and had three turnovers. Minnesota began the season 6-0 but has since lost two straight.

Cousins has thrown 20 touchdowns and 2,340 yards this season, ranking second and fifth in the NFL in those categories, respectively. O’Connell, who previously coached him in Washington and Minnesota, praised his accuracy. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Cousins’ familiarity with the Vikings’ system would help him prepare, and expressed surprise at the trade’s price.

Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley said discussions about adding players at several positions had been underway for weeks, and that Wentz’s performance against Buffalo was not the trigger for the deal. Cousins said knowing the system and his coach’s understanding of his strengths and limitations would help him play by instinct rather than having to start over.