The Minnesota Vikings may not be trading Kirk Cousins ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be in the starting lineup next week when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings’ starting QB had to leave Sunday’s 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter after suffering a lower leg injury during a third-down passing attempt.
Here is the play where the non-contact injury occurred.
He was not only carted back to the locker room but was also ruled out immediately following a quick medical evaluation.
After the game, coach Kevin O’Connell revealed Cousins is dealing with an Achilles injury, but the MRI will determine whether the tendon is torn or not.
Rookie fifth-round pick Jaren Hall took over for the Vikings at QB. Minnesota also has sixth-year QB Nick Mullens on the roster, but he’s been on injured reserve due to a back injury since just before Week 6. Mullens will be eligible to return after next Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings also have Sean Mannion on the practice squad.
If Cousins did sustain a long-term injury, expect the Vikings to add another QB in the next few days. Minnesota had former XFL and USFL QB Jordan Ta’amu on the roster before teams cut down from 90 to 53 players, and it’s possible the 25-year-old gets another chance now, thanks to already having some knowledge of coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Related: See where Kirk Cousins lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings