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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Kirk Cousins is expected to make his first start back with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
His return would give Minnesota an immediate quarterback change after consecutive losses — and send Cousins back to the stadium where his first Vikings stint ended.
Cousins last played for Minnesota at Lambeau Field in October 2023, when he tore his Achilles during a 24-10 victory over Green Bay. Three years later, the Vikings are asking their former quarterback to help steady a season that began with six straight wins.
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Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick. The move reunited him with coach Kevin O’Connell and several familiar targets, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
The opportunity carries personal significance for Cousins, who recalled wondering whether his career, or at least his time with Minnesota, was over while being carted off that field in 2023.
But he also acknowledged Wednesday that returning to a meaningful place will only matter so much once the game begins.
“But you have to go make it mean something with the way you play,” Cousins said.
Cousins returns 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 across 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, with 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.
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O’Connell stopped short of naming him the starter Wednesday, emphasizing the need to make sure Cousins felt ready. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz subsequently reported that Cousins handled first-team practice repetitions 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.
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