After losing Kirk Cousins, what do the Vikings do now? - ESPN

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Were it not for their traditional postgame boom box churning out celebratory tunes, the Minnesota Vikings' postgame locker room at Lambeau Field would have been silent Sunday afternoon. Despite a 24-10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, players spoke to one another in hushed tones. Reporters gathered close to hear their emotional comments.

Ultimately, coach Kevin O'Connell said, «they know» the likely outcome of quarterback Kirk Cousins' right Achilles injury. Even as O'Connell spoke from a podium, ESPN's Adam Schefter was reporting that Cousins had suffered a torn Achilles tendon — an injury that when confirmed by the team will end his season. Vikings players and coaches were left to sift through the moment's multiple layers of impact.

«Every single player in our locker room is thinking about our leader and our guy,» O'Connell said.

But there is more than Cousins' immediate condition to consider, most notably its impact on the Vikings' competitiveness for the rest of the season after evening their record at 4-4. Will they stick with fifth-rounder Jaren Hall, who finished Sunday's game, try to acquire a quarterback before Tuesday's trade deadline or perhaps sign an available veteran such as Matt Ryan? Has Cousins played his final game with the Vikings?

Let's dive into the issues, one by one, on a day that will be among the most impactful in recent Vikings history.

Presuming a full tear, Cousins would miss the remainder of this season. Every injury is different, and Cousins will turn 36 next summer. But based on a standard Achilles tear timetable, Cousins has a chance to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. — Kevin Seifert

No. The Vikings might not have a choice about starting Hall in their Week 9