Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Vikings acquired Cousins for a third-round pick Tuesday in a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders before the trade deadline. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said earlier this week that the team was working to get the veteran quarterback ready to play this weekend.
Cousins was Minnesota's primary starter from 2018-23 before departing for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. He earned three Pro Bowl nominations during his first tenure with the Vikings and led the franchise to two postseason trips.
The 38-year-old started the first nine games of the season for the Raiders, going 4-5 while throwing for 2,340 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Cousins ranks ninth in EPA/dropback and 11th in passer rating this season among 31 qualifying quarterbacks, according to TruMedia.
Minnesota is hoping Cousins can turn around an offense that's struggled despite the team's 6-2 record. The Vikings rank 31st in yards per game and are tied with the 0-8 Los Angeles Chargers for the fewest offensive touchdowns scored in the league (11).
"It's definitely a surreal moment for him to be here, and to hear his leadership and hear his control over the offense," Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson said Thursday.
"It's much needed at this point of time to kind of switch things up. Hopefully he brings that juice, that energy, and that leadership we need."
Minnesota sits third in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions heading into Sunday.
