Kirk Cousins’ season has likely come to an abrupt end. During the Minnesota Vikings’ 24-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the quarterback was forced off the field on a cart. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed concerns about an Achilles injury, with an imminent MRI expected to confirm this grim prognosis, officially marking the end of Cousins’ season.
The incident unfolded early in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field when Cousins, while scrambling in the pocket, inexplicably halted and fell to the turf after a tackle from defensive tackle Kenny Clark. When he rose to his feet, Cousins gingerly hopped to the sideline, refusing to place any weight on his right leg. After making it to the bench, he was subsequently wheeled off the field, his right shoe now removed. Cousins was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and rookie Jaren Hall took over in his place.
Cousins had put up impressive numbers before his departure, completing 23-of-31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. He had masterfully guided the Vikings to a 24-10 lead, with contributions from Cam Akers, who scored a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and Cousins himself, who connected with T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison for touchdowns in the third quarter. K.J. Osborn accumulated 99 receiving yards on eight receptions, while Hockenson garnered 88 yards on six catches.
Jordan Love of the Packers only completed 24-of-41 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. As a result, Green Bay finished the game with a 2-5 record. Romeo Doubs caught a 1-yard pass from Love for the team’s lone touchdown. Along with his touchdowns, he led the Packers in rushing (34 yards on four carries).
Cousins will finish the season with 2,057 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions if his injury is really verified. Despite missing one game in 2021 due to a positive COVID-19 test, this regrettable event represents a substantial change from his formerly flawless record of never missing an NFL game due to injury.
Jaren Hall is anticipated to take over as the starting quarterback going forward due to Cousins’ injury. Hall, a BYU product selected in the fifth round, completed 3-of-4 passes for 23 yards on Sunday.
There was a wave of quarterback injuries throughout the NFL on Sunday. During the afternoon games, Cousins was one of five starting quarterbacks to sustain major injuries. Starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Desmond Ridder, left their 28-23 defeat to the Tennessee Titans early due to a concussion, and Taylor Heinicke took his place. Due to a thumb injury, Matthew Stafford was forced to leave the Los Angeles Rams’ 43-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and Brett Rypien took his place.
In the New York Giants’ 13-10 overtime loss to the New York Jets, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was hospitalized after a rib injury sustained from an awkward tackle. This left the Giants with third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito, and the teams collectively threw for a mere 7 passing yards. The Jets forced overtime with a 35-yard field goal.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was also ruled out due to a rib injury in their 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pickett’s injury occurred after a hit following an incomplete pass, and he was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky in the second half.
