Minnesota Viking quarterback Kirk Cousins has COVID-19 and will miss the team’s first preseason game in Las Vegas this Sunday.
New Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announced at practice Friday that Cousins tested positive, and has “minimal symptoms.” He is expected to be away from the team and team activities until Tuesday.
"He's feeling pretty darn good and has limited symptoms," O'Connell said. "He's wearing me out about the install this morning, and the plan for Sunday. Unfortunately, he will not make the trip.”
Cousins had missed Thursday’s practice with what the team had termed an illness. The NFL no longer has daily testing in place, but players and coaches are asked to self-disclose symptoms and get tested if they are not feeling well.
O'Connell said they will split Sunday's game between backup quarterbacks between Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond who are battling for the number two position.
This is the second time Cousins has tested positive for COVID. Last season, Cousins missed the team’s second-to-last game against Green Bay while following protocols for unvaccinated players.
Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines, dropping the recommendation that Americans quarantine themselves if they come into close contact with an infected person. The CDC also said people no longer need to stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Related
Cousins has faced questions from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic about his vaccination status with Cousins saying it is a personal choice and not wanting to discuss it publicly. Former Head Coach Mike Zimmer had been vocal in his dislike of players who miss time due to not being vaccinated.
"For the sake of everybody's health, I think (getting the vaccine is) important,” Zimmer said partway through the 2021 season. “But some people don't understand, I guess."
The icy relationship between Cousins and Zimmer is one of the reasons the coach was let go at season’s end.
The Vikings play in Vegas this Sunday at 3:25 p.m. on NFL Network.
Related
