The fears of Minnesota Vikings fans have been realized with the confirmation that star quarterback Kirk Cousins will be out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.
Despite Dalvin Cook departing the team in the offseason, a major injury to superstar receiver Justin Jefferson, and losing three of their first four games this year, the Minnesota Vikings are still in the thick of the NFC North title chase.
A major reason why the team has been able to win three straight and enters NFL Week 9 with a 4-4 record is due to the impressive play of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 12-year veteran was having a career year this season but unfortunately, he will not get to see how far he could have taken it since his season will be coming to an end after NFL Week 8.
Kirk Cousins stats (2023): 18 TD, 5 INT, 2,331 yards, 103.8 rating
On Monday morning, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that the injury he suffered late in their win on Sunday is indeed a torn Achilles as feared. While the 35-year-old is still set to undergo an MRI this week, all indications are it is a season-ending injury.
Related: NFL insider hints Kirk Cousins could return to Minnesota Vikings in 2024
The tear occurred in the fourth quarter and was a non-contact injury. It’s why many assumed it could be an Achilles injury since a video of the moment showed the same ripple in his calf that Aaron Rodgers had in Week 1 when he tore the ligament during his regular-season debut for the New York Jets.
The injury is a massive setback for the Vikings after a frustrating start to 2023 and then somehow got themselves back into the playoff chase.
What makes it all the more fascinating is that the four-time Pro Bowler is set to become a free agent this offseason. The injury will surely affect his value, but the fact that he was in the midst of another Pro Bowl season will also factor into what he gets offered from Minnesota or another team in the spring.