The Minnesota Vikings will have to navigate the remainder of the 2023 NFL season without their star quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
An MRI on Monday revealed that Cousins sustained a torn Achilles during the Vikings’Sunday night victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Playing in the final season of his current contract, Cousins had been enjoying a remarkable season, leading the NFL in touchdown passes (16) and ranking second in passing yards (2,057) entering Week 8.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the game when Cousins attempted to step up in the pocket, and his right leg buckled as he was sacked by Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
It was a painful sight as Cousins had to be carted off the field, marking the first significant injury of his 12-season career.
Vikings season took a devastating hit
Now, the Vikings, who managed to string together three consecutive wins following a 1-4 start to the season, find themselves facing uncertainty.
Rookie Jaren Hall stepped in for Cousins and showed promise in his NFL debut.
However, head coach Kevin O’Connell has yet to commit to Hall as the starter for future games.
The Vikings might also consider veteran Nick Mullens, who is on injured reserve but expected to return after Week 10, or explore free-agent options or potential trades ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
While the Vikings have faced adversity this season and rallied for wins, the absence of Cousins, coupled with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s ongoing hamstring injury, poses a significant challenge for the team.
It remains to be seen how they will navigate the rest of the season without their key playmakers.
Cousins could leave Vikings in 2024
As for Kirk Cousins, the injury raises questions about his future.
The quarterback and the Vikings did not reach an extension agreement before the season, making 2023 the last year of his current contract.
The timeline of his recovery and his ability to return to peak performance will undoubtedly impact his contract negotiations in the upcoming offseason, whether with the Vikings or elsewhere.
Cousins’ season concluded with him tied for the NFL lead with 18 touchdown passes and an NFC-best 2,331 passing yards, showcasing his exceptional skills.
Now, as he prepares for surgery and an uncertain future, the Vikings are left facing a challenging road ahead, with a new quarterback set to take the reins as they head to Atlanta for a Week 9 matchup with the Falcons.
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