EAGON, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has tested positive for COVID-19, coach Kevin O’Connell said Friday. Cousins will have to isolate himself for at least five days, meaning he won’t travel with the team for Sunday’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Barring complications, Cousins will be eligible to join the team Tuesday for the final week of training camp. O’Connell said Cousins’ symptoms were minimal.
2 Connected
The Vikings sent Cousins home from training camp Thursday after he became ill, but did not immediately confirm the diagnosis.
“I like the way he handled it,” O’Connell said, “reporting the symptoms and just going through our internal process here. I’m proud of how he did it, taking care of his teammates and making sure we got him back ready to go as soon as possible.”
Cousins missed one game last season after testing positive for COVID-19. He was also quarantined for five days at training camp last summer because he was in unvaccinated close contact with backup quarterback Kellen Mond, who had tested positive.
The NFL paused its remaining COVID-19 protocols in March. But all league officials — including players — are required to follow CDC guidelines after a positive test. Teams can also impose additional protocols if they choose.
O’Connell had not disclosed his preseason playing time plans for Cousins, and it’s possible Cousins would not have played against the Raiders regardless. Backups Mond and Sean Mannion, who competed for the No. 2 quarterback spot in camp, will handle the load Sunday.
Add Comment