Kirk Cousins has COVID-19, will miss Vikings’ preseason opener

The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins examined optimistic for COVID-19 on Friday, the group introduced.

The information comes forward of the Vikings’ Sunday preseason opener in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins left apply early on Thursday with a reported sickness throughout walkthrough drills.

Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond, the 2 quarterbacks listed behind him on the Vikings’ depth chart, will characteristic within the recreation.

Cousins is unvaccinated and has made no secret of his stance.

“If it knocks me out, it knocks me out,” he mentioned of COVID-19 in July 2020. “I’m going to be OK. You already know, even when I die. If I die, I die.”

In 2021, the Washington Publish reported that Vikings had the NFL’s lowest group vaccination fee.

Final summer time, Cousins mentioned his vaccination standing was a “very personal matter,” and gave the impression to be contemplating nearly all his potential choices.

“I’ve even considered, ‘Ought to I simply arrange actually plexiglass round the place I sit, so this might by no means occur once more?’” he mentioned in August 2020. “I’ve considered it, as a result of I’m going to do no matter it takes. We’re going to keep away from this close-contact factor, and I stay up for ensuring I’m taking part in for each recreation this yr.”

Kirk Cousins will miss the Vikings’ preseason opener after being identified with COVID-19 for a second time.

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The 33-year-old ended up lacking a December matchup in opposition to Inexperienced Bay when he examined optimistic for COVID.

Final season, Cousins threw for 4221 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions because the Vikings completed the yr with an 8-8 report.