NEWSLETTER
Say what you want about Kirk Cousins, but just know that the guy puts up numbers on the back of his trading card that make you think there is a productive quarterback on this piece of card-stock.
But after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 on Friday, Cousins – as an unvaccinated player who won’t be able to make the quick turnaround – won’t be putting up any numbers this week.
Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins tested positive for COVID, sources tell ESPN. As an unvaccinated player, he’s out Sunday night vs. Packers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2021
Vikings now officially have placed QB Kirk Cousins on Reserve/COVID-19.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2021
That sound you heard was probably Mike Zimmer’s gut dropping at the news of his quarterback being unavailable for Sunday Night Football against the Packers.
The Vikings were already up against it, entering the week with just a 13 percent chance of making the postseason. Losing their starting QB won’t help matters. Instead, this leaves the Vikings in a position to start Kellen Mond, a rookie Day 2 pick who might be in Minnesota’s future plans. Or perhaps it will be Sean Mannion, who could exit COVID protocols by Sunday night’s kickoff. No matter how one slices it, this is a blow to a 7-8 Vikings team clinging to its playoff hopes.
The NFL did all it could to incentivize the heck out of getting vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19. And even though the league’s recent COVID protocol tweaks make it easier for unvaccinated players to get back on the field quicker, the turnaround from Friday to Sunday simply isn’t enough time to get a player who tests positive back on the field by game day.
It’s a shame, too. I was really looking forward to this primetime showdown:
— CardinalsBBallBurner (@b_cardinals) December 31, 2021
