The Minnesota Vikings are working to get Kirk Cousins ready to start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but their quarterback decisions extend beyond the newcomer. Kyler Murray is still recovering from a hamstring injury, and Carson Wentz now has an ankle issue.
Kevin O’Connell stopped short of naming Cousins the starter Wednesday. His goal is to prepare the veteran for Lambeau Field while making sure Cousins is comfortable with the turnaround after Tuesday’s trade.
“That’s what we’re working toward but also want to be fair to Kirk and make sure he feels good about it,” O’Connell said.
Kevin O’Connell won’t fully commit to Kirk Cousins starting for the #Vikings on Sunday against the #Packers just yet: “That’s what we’re working toward but also want to be fair to Kirk and make sure he feels good about it.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 11, 2026
Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round pick. He returns to a 6-2 team with experience in O’Connell’s offense, having thrown 47 touchdowns against 19 interceptions across 25 regular-season appearances under him in 2022 and 2023.
That history gives the Vikings a starting point for a short preparation week. It does not settle who will be available behind him.
Vikings’ backup plan also depends on injuries
O’Connell said he hoped Wentz could recover enough to serve as the backup to Cousins. Murray began a running progression Monday, while the coach also praised Max Brosmer’s execution late in that night’s game.
“I’m hopeful that Carson can get to a place where he can be the No. 2,” O’Connell said.
Wednesday’s injury report needs an important distinction: Minnesota did not practice. The listed participation levels were estimates, not evidence that either injured quarterback completed an on-field session.
| Quarterback | Injury | Wednesday estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Kyler Murray | Hamstring | Did not participate |
| Carson Wentz | Ankle | Limited participation |
The Vikings are scheduled to practice Thursday and Friday, with game designations due Friday. O’Connell’s hope for Wentz describes a possible arrangement for this week, not a settled depth chart after Murray recovers.
Why familiarity matters for Kirk Cousins
Cousins explained Wednesday that O’Connell’s knowledge of his limitations matters alongside his understanding of his strengths. The quarterback believes that experience can help the coach avoid asking him to do things that do not suit his game.
"I think the fact that he knows me well, the good about me and the bad about me, should help us" – QB Kirk Cousins on his relationship with Kevin O'Connell pic.twitter.com/UQA5J1eylI
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 11, 2026
O’Connell also identified overlap with what Cousins ran in Las Vegas, including play-action concepts and portions of the dropback passing game. Minnesota can build on that foundation rather than introduce every concept from scratch.
Cousins arrives after completing 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine Raiders starts. His departure also cleared the way for Fernando Mendoza’s move into Las Vegas’ starting role.
For Minnesota, the next practices must help resolve two questions: whether Cousins is ready to run the offense Sunday and which quarterback is healthy enough to support him. Wednesday established the direction O’Connell wants to take, while leaving both decisions unfinished.
