Kirk Cousins’ Return Leaves Vikings With Crowded Four-Man Quarterback Room

Kirk Cousins Returns To Crowded Vikings Quarterback Room© Instagram

Kirk Cousins is back in Minnesota, and the quarterbacks already there have stayed put. His arrival from Las Vegas leaves the Vikings carrying Cousins, Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer as they prepare to visit Green Bay on Sunday.

For Kevin O'Connell, though, the immediate problem involves health as much as roster space. Murray is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Wentz hurt his ankle in Monday night's loss to Buffalo. Cousins has arrived with only a few days to get ready for a divisional game at Lambeau Field.

Injuries Complicate Minnesota's Backup Plans

O'Connell had not formally named Cousins the starter when he spoke Wednesday, saying he wanted to make sure the returning veteran was comfortable with the quick turnaround. His comments about Wentz offered a clearer indication of the intended order.

“I'm hopeful that Carson can get to a place where he can be the No. 2,” O'Connell said.

Wentz was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report. Minnesota did not practice, so that designation did not reflect an actual workout. Murray was listed as a non-participant, although he began his running progression Monday morning.

That leaves Brosmer involved after he relieved Wentz against Buffalo. O'Connell praised the second-year quarterback's reads and placement during that appearance, pointing to improvements he had worked on behind the scenes.

Neither injured veteran's availability had been settled Wednesday. For now, the four-man room includes two quarterbacks working through injuries and another learning his way back into an offense he once ran.

Cousins Returns After Another Difficult Night On Offense

Minnesota surrendered a 2027 third-round pick to bring Cousins back after Monday's 23–6 defeat dropped the team to 6–2. Wentz completed eight of 25 passes and threw two interceptions while starting for Murray.

Cousins brings considerably stronger recent production. In nine starts for Las Vegas, the 38-year-old threw for 2,340 yards and 20 touchdowns, with eight interceptions.

He also knows the people catching his passes. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson were teammates during his first Minnesota stint, which lasted from 2018 through 2023. He played his final two seasons there under O'Connell before leaving for Atlanta.

There is still work to do before Sunday. O'Connell noted similarities between the Raiders' passing concepts and Minnesota's, particularly off play-action, but stopped short of rushing the starting announcement. His first concern was how much Cousins could comfortably handle against Green Bay.