Kirk Cousins injury update: Is the Vikings QB out for the season with an Achilles injury?

Cousins was carted off during the Green Bay Packers game.

Kirk Cousins injury update: Is the Vikings QB out for the season with an Achilles injury?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (Image via IMAGO)

The man, who has never missed a game due to injury, had to be carted off yesterday, suspected of having a torn Achilles. Kirk Cousins just a few days ago said he would be like the ‘hip cool dad in the locker room‘—- found himself on a hospital bed.

Despite the 24-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, the celebrations were muted. The Minnesota Vikings lost their reliable quarterback, who single-handedly pulled them out of the horrible 0-4 start to the season.

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As the final whistled blow last night at Lambeau Field, every Tom Dick and Harry wanted to know what Kirk Cousins’s condition was. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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ESPN contributor Adam Schefter reported that the 35-year-old had suffered a torn Achilles. Cousins will have to go through an MRI to fully reveal the extent of his tear. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, this could spell the end of his season because it takes from 9 to 12 months to recover.

What happened to Kirk Cousins?

The Vikings were cruising before the end of the quarter, taking a 24-3 lead against a Packers side that just came off its bye week. They were the freshmen of the two, but Minnesota was on winning momentum. Kirk Cousins threw for more than 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Kirk Cousins injury update: Is the Vikings QB out for the season with an Achilles injury?
Cousins being taken off against Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field (Image via AP)

One dart to tight end T.J. Hockenson early in the third quarter, and another just two minutes later—a 20-yard pass to rookie receiver Jordan Addison—and the Packers pulled one back from Romeo Doubs.

The fourth quarter started slow, and Minnesota appeared to be taking it slow. Cousins tried to mix things up, taking a shotgun snap on a third down. The four-time pro bowler went down with a non-contact injury as he dropped back to deliver a pass. He hobbled off to the bench and then sat on the cart and cheered his team on before being taken away for examination.

Potential replacements

Kirk Cousins will turn 36 next summer. But his contract with the Vikings will run out even before that. The question now arises: who will replace him? They have the fifth-round pick, Jaren Hall, waiting in the wings. He has yet to take a snap in the NFL before this game—a completely unknown prospect. The 25-year-old came upon Cousins’ departure and completed 3 passes for 24 yards.

Kirk Cousins (Image via People Magazine)

For the time being, he is the only option until something else pops up. After the game Hall said he is more than ready to step up. “More than capable and ready to do whatever is asked of me,” Hall said.

Coach O’Connell will assess every possible suggestion he can get. 

We've got to take a look at potentially all the options. Including building the best possible group around Jaren.
O’Connell told ESPN.com.

Veteran backup Nick Mullens could be activated if they feel Jaren is not ready for the step-up. He can also turn to free agency; there are quite a few interesting prospects. Carson Wentz and Nick Foles are available if they go for experience.

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