Vikings QB Kirk Cousins feared to have suffered torn Achilles in win over Packers

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 24-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Following the game, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell informed reporters that Cousins will undergo an MRI exam to assess the extent of the injury. However, if it is indeed a torn Achilles, it would prematurely end one of Cousins’ most impressive seasons to date after only eight games.

“When I think about our quarterback, who has consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout the 2023 season, I can’t help but admire his growth and dedication,” O’Connell expressed during his postgame news conference. “We are concerned about a potential Achilles injury. At this point, I cannot determine the severity, but that is our fear at the moment. We will provide confirmation as soon as possible. Every player in our locker room is thinking about Kirk, our leader. I am immensely proud of him and his performance this year. Whether he returns for a single snap or the entire season, it will not diminish what I believe – the level of play he has shown and the impact he has had on me and our organization.”

Cousins encountered difficulty leaving the field after his injury, with Minnesota leading 24-10. He was swiftly ruled out and taken to the locker room via a cart after receiving evaluation in the medical tent. The injury was initially labeled as an ankle injury.

Prior to the injury, Cousins had a strong performance, completing 23 out of 31 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the impressive form he has displayed throughout the 2023 season. This was particularly evident in Monday’s upset win over the San Francisco 49ers.

As Cousins’ replacement, rookie quarterback Jaren Hall saw limited action, completing 3 of 4 passes for 23 yards. When questioned about future quarterback decisions, O’Connell did not commit to Hall as the starting quarterback moving forward. Once veteran Nick Mullens recovers from a back injury that placed him on injured reserve earlier this month, he could be considered as an alternative.