Vikings bring back Kirk Cousins to repair an offense running out of time

November 13: Cousins will start at Green Bay

Kevin O’Connell has named Kirk Cousins the starter for Sunday’s game at Green Bay, the Vikings announced Friday. The decision comes five days after the trade with Las Vegas. Minnesota’s official announcement resolves the starting-quarterback question left open in its earlier reports.

The Vikings also announced Thursday that Odell Beckham Jr. had rejoined the practice squad after his Tuesday release. That completed transaction updates the earlier account below. Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field starts at 1 p.m. EST, noon Central.

November 12: Cousins takes part in his first practice back

Kirk Cousins took part in his first full Vikings practice since the trade Thursday, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports. Minnesota had used Wednesday for meetings and recovery after its Monday game. Justin Jefferson described Cousins reconnecting with teammates and working to restore their timing. The Thursday report establishes his return to practice; it does not announce Sunday’s starting quarterback.

November 11 evening update: O’Connell leaves Sunday’s starter unannounced

Kevin O’Connell did not name Kirk Cousins the starter for Sunday’s game at Green Bay during Wednesday’s media session. He said he wanted Cousins to be comfortable with the short turnaround. The Vikings’ report of that session confirms the trade cost as one of Minnesota’s 2027 third-round selections.

The club also reported that Kyler Murray remains week-to-week with a hamstring injury and that Carson Wentz injured his ankle Monday. Wednesday participation designations were estimates because Minnesota did not practice: Murray was listed as not participating and Wentz as limited. O’Connell expressed hope that Wentz could serve as the backup. No Sunday starting decision or passed-physical statement was announced in this report.

November 10 roster update: Beckham’s contract terminated

Minnesota also terminated Odell Beckham Jr.’s contract on Tuesday. The club said he played two offensive snaps against Buffalo after being signed from the practice squad Monday. The announcement says he is eligible to return to the practice squad; the transaction register does not yet confirm a completed return.

The Vikings also released C.J. Hanson and Corey Robinson II from the practice squad. Their current register confirms the 2027 third-round compensation for Cousins. The original Cousins announcement retains its pending-physical condition, with no confirmed Sunday start established here.

Kirk Cousins is returning to Minnesota. The Vikings announced Tuesday that they acquired the quarterback from Las Vegas, pending a physical. A 2027 third-round draft pick goes to the Raiders, according to Tom Pelissero’s reporting cited in the club announcement and NFL Network’s trade report.

The timing gives the move its urgency. Buffalo won 23-6 in Minnesota on Monday night, leaving the Vikings 6-2 with an offense increasingly unable to support its defense. Cousins arrives with nine starts, 2,340 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Las Vegas this season.

Familiarity has immediate value

Cousins played six seasons in Minnesota, including 2022 and 2023 under Kevin O’Connell. The club credits him with 6,878 yards and 47 touchdown passes across 25 regular-season starts in those two years. He also returns to receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

That shared experience is the strongest football argument for this particular deadline acquisition. A quarterback changing teams in November has limited practice time to learn the language, protections and timing of an offense. Cousins and O’Connell can begin with work they have already done together. The evaluation now is how much of that connection can become productive possessions quickly.

The problem Monday made plain

O’Connell accepted responsibility for Monday’s failure to establish a rhythm. Minnesota had the ball for only 17:28, and the coach said he had tried several ways to help Carson Wentz settle in without finding an answer. A change at quarterback still leaves the staff responsible for producing an offense that can stay on the field.

The defensive performance helps explain why Minnesota is spending a future pick at 6-2. Buffalo managed 4.3 yards per play, but ran 79 plays and held the ball for 42:32. Even a defense that limits each snap can be worn down by an opponent controlling that much of the game. Moving the chains would help both halves of the Vikings’ team.

NFL.com places Minnesota 27th in scoring and 31st in both total and passing offense. It reports that the Vikings have scored 16 points or fewer in five of their eight games. Those rankings define the immediate assignment: create a dependable passing game for a team still positioned to contend.

Las Vegas moves toward Mendoza

For Las Vegas, the draft return comes with an immediate change in its development plan. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza had been Cousins’ backup. NFL.com reports that his only appearance this season came in a loss to New England, when he completed six of eight passes for 48 yards. The rookie now has a much larger opening to play.

The trade exchanges different kinds of time. Minnesota pays a future third-rounder for a veteran who can shorten the transition into its offense. Las Vegas gains the selection and room to evaluate its first overall pick. For the Vikings, the value will be measured in sustained drives and points over the remaining schedule. The announcement retains the physical condition, and a Sunday start for Cousins has not been confirmed in the cited reports.