Vikings’ Kirk Cousins tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Minnesota’s preseason opener

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unavailable to play in Minnesota's preseason opener on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Friday. 

Cousins was sent home from the Vikings' practice facility on Thursday with an undisclosed illness. The positive test means that he will be required to quarantine for five days before being allowed to return to the team. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins takes the field during the first day of training camp at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on July 27, 2022. (Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"He's feeling pretty darn good and has limited symptoms," O'Connell said, according to the Vikings' website. "He's wearing me out about the install this morning, and the plan for Sunday. Unfortunately, he will not make the trip.

BALTIMORE RAVENS EXTEND RECORD PRESEASON WINNING STREAK AGAINST TENNESSEE TITANS

"He should, by the protocol standards, be back by Tuesday morning and ready to roll for our Niners [joint] practices," O'Connell added. "As always, we'll keep you guys posted."

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is interviewed by NFL sideline reporter Ben Leber after a 31-17 win over the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 9, 2022. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

In March, the NFL paused its COVID-19 protocols, ending the mandatory testing of players as well as masking in team facilities. 

PATRIOTS’ BILL BELICHICK ADDRESSES OFFENSIVE PLAY CALLING DUTIES: ‘DON’T WORRY ABOUT THAT’

"I like the way he handled it — reporting the symptoms and just going