What happened: Kirk Cousins is expected to start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, per Ian Rapoport. The start marks Cousins' first game back in Minnesota colors since being reacquired via trade. His previous appearance for the Vikings came at Lambeau Field in 2023, when he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in a 24-10 victory.
Why it matters: The divisional matchup carries immediate NFC playoff stakes, with the 6-2 Vikings holding the sixth seed and the 6-3 Packers sitting at the seventh seed. Minnesota turned back to Cousins after he took the field for his first Vikings practice since his return to stabilize an offense seeking to break a two-game slide.
By the numbers: Cousins has completed 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 2026 through 9 games. Minnesota enters Sunday at 6-2 (streak L2), while Green Bay is 6-3 (streak W2).
What to watch: The Vikings travel to Lambeau Field to face the Packers on Sunday, with Cousins making his first start since returning to Minnesota.