NEWSLETTER
In the most important game of the year, the Vikings were without their quarterback. As a result, they were whomped by the Packers on national television. A feeling Bears fans know all too well.
That loss on Sunday Night Football eliminated Minnesota from postseason contention. Again, something we can relate to as Bears fans. And while there is a real chance it would’ve gone down like that if Kirk Cousins would’ve been available, Cousins’ positive COVID test last Friday taking him out of action dealt his team quite a blow.
However, Cousins’ return is on the horizon:
The #Vikings have activated QB Kirk Cousins from Reserve/COVID-19.
DE Tashawn Bower has been placed on Reserve/COVID-19 and CB Bryan Mills has been signed to the practice squad. https://t.co/CFGoRVJ4qQ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2022
Statistically, Cousins is having a wonderful year. He is completing more than 66 percent of his passes, has thrown for 3,971 yards and 30 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions, and has a nifty 101.3 passer rating for his efforts. And yet, the Vikings are 7-8 in his starts. Additionally, Minnesota is set to miss the postseason for the third time in four years with Cousins at quarterback. Not quite what the Vikings were signing up for when giving him that mega-deal in 2018.
From a statistical standpoint, Cousins’ return – even for a meaningless end-of-season game – should strike fear in the Bears. But the last time Cousins squared off against Chicago, he went 12-for-24 for 87 yards, and a quite-nice-from-a-Bears-perspective 69.3 passer rating. And he did it against a secondary of Deon Bush, Thomas Graham Jr., Kindle Vildor, and Teez Tabor. That’s impressive for so many reasons.
As for who will start opposite of Cousins, Chicago’s QB1 situation figures to be settled once the injury reports drop and provide clarity regarding Justin Fields’ ankle. So, stay tuned.
