MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Kirk Cousins is closing in on a return to the Minnesota Vikings starting lineup after reportedly taking first-team quarterback repetitions at practice, putting him on course to start Sunday’s NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
According to a report from CBS Sports, sources indicate that Cousins handled the Vikings’ first-team reps during Thursday’s practice. The development is a strong sign that Minnesota is preparing to put the veteran quarterback under centre for the Week 10 meeting at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 15.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell had stopped short of officially naming Cousins the starter earlier in the week, saying the decision was still premature as the quarterback worked to get reacquainted with the offence following his return from Las Vegas.
However, Thursday’s on-field work has strengthened the expectation that Cousins will get the assignment. FOX 9 reported that the Vikings held their first practice with Cousins back at quarterback on Thursday, while the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that he participated in his first full practice since rejoining the team.
A Familiar System Could Accelerate His Return
Minnesota reacquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders on November 10, sending a 2027 third-round draft pick to bring back the quarterback who previously spent six seasons with the franchise from 2018 through 2023. The trade reunited him with O’Connell, who served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator before becoming head coach and worked directly with Cousins during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
The Vikings’ account of Cousins’ return highlighted the quarterback’s familiarity with the coaching staff, offensive terminology and several key teammates. That background could prove valuable given the limited time available before Sunday’s game.
Cousins’ previous connection with playmakers such as Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson gives Minnesota an established foundation to build on. The team’s official announcement of the trade noted that Cousins passed for 6,878 yards and 47 touchdowns under O’Connell across the 2022 and 2023 regular seasons.
Packers Already Preparing For Cousins
Green Bay is not treating the possibility as a surprise. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that he was fairly confident Cousins would start, according to NFL.com. The expectation means the Packers can prepare for the veteran’s experience and familiarity with Minnesota’s offensive approach rather than plan around an uncertain quarterback situation.
The matchup also carries a personal dimension for Cousins. His previous Vikings tenure ended with an Achilles injury at Lambeau Field in October 2023. Returning to the same stadium in purple and gold would bring his Minnesota story full circle, although the immediate priority will be helping the Vikings respond after consecutive defeats.
Minnesota enters the contest at 6-2, while Green Bay is 6-3. The Vikings are looking to stabilise an offence that has struggled through quarterback changes, with Kyler Murray sidelined by a hamstring injury and Carson Wentz also managing an ankle issue. The team’s official Week 10 injury updates provide further context to the quarterback situation.
Although O’Connell has not formally announced his starter, the first-team repetitions reported by CBS Sports, combined with Cousins’ full participation in Thursday’s practice, point strongly towards the 38-year-old taking the field against Green Bay. An official confirmation from Minnesota remains the final step.
Sources: CBS Sports, Minnesota Vikings, FOX 9, NFL.com and Minnesota Star Tribune.