Vikings Bank on Reunion With Kirk Cousins to Transform Struggling Offense

Kyler Murray missed the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills due to a hamstring injury.

The reliable veteran backup Minnesota thought it had for such a contingency, Carson Wentz, turned into a proverbial pumpkin in an embarrassing performance during a 23-6 defeat.

Consequently, the Vikings reunited with one of the most prolific quarterbacks in franchise history, Kirk Cousins, just before Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Wentz’s Monday Night Flop Sparks Urgency

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said last week Murray wasn’t expected to be placed on injured reserve.

That still holds true as Week 10 prep begins, but Murray has also already been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s key NFC North road clash with the Packers.

With all four NFC North teams each boasting at least six wins, the division appears destined to be up for grabs through Week 18.

After Wentz netted all 81 passing yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a lost fumble against Buffalo, the Vikings braintrust knew they desperately needed an upgrade before facing the high-powered, Jordan Love-led Packers offense.

Cousins’ Return Expected To Provide Spark

Cousins enjoyed a noteworthy six-season run at the helm of the Vikings offense from 2018-23, throwing for 23,265 yards, 171 passing TDs, and 55 interceptions across 88 regular-season games. He added six rushing scores.

After looking like he might be done over the last couple of seasons in Atlanta, Cousins has appeared rejuvenated so far this season as the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback in the team’s first nine games.

Cousins has thrown for 2,340 yards while generating a 20:8 TD:INT ratio, already recording 31 completions of 20-plus yards.

Cousins’ renewed downfield aggressiveness and a reunion with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could be the jolt a Vikings offense that hasn’t matched the team’s typically dominant defense needs to become a true Super Bowl contender.