Vikings lose QB Cousins to COVID list
Kirk Cousins has never missed a game in the NFL to injury.
His first unplanned absence, due to COVID -19, could not have come at a worse time for the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings placed their starting quarterback on the COVID -19 reserve list Friday, two days before their most important game of the season at Green Bay.
Cousins, who is unvaccinated, couldn’t be cleared in time to play even if he were feeling fine. The NFL recently reduced the required quarantine period to five days for asymptomatic players.
The Vikings (7-8) are one game out of the last wild-card spot in the NFC with two weeks to go. The Packers (12-3) are in control of the top seed and a first-round bye.
The Vikings activated backup quarterback Sean Mannion from the COVID -19 reserve list, putting the seventh-year veteran in line to start at frigid Lambeau Field on Sunday night.
49ers: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as doubtful this week because of a injured right thumb with rookie Trey Lance in line to get his second start.
Bears: Quarterback Justin Fields likely will miss his second straight game because of an ankle injury when the Bears host the Giants on Sunday. Coach Matt Nagy said that Andy Dalton will start after being sidelined because of a groin injury and Nick Foles will be the backup . ... Defensive tackle Akiem
Hicks returned from COVID-19 reserve.
Bengals: Cincinnati placed cornerback Trae Waynes on COVID-19 reserve.
Broncos: Denver scrubbed its regular practice for the second straight day and instead held an indoor walk-through after five more players were added to the COVID-19 list, including receiver Jerry Jeudy, and linebackers Bradley Chubb and Baron Browning.
Buccaneers: Wide receiver Mike Evans returned from COVID-19 reserve and punter Bradley Pinion was put on the COVID-19 reserve list.
Cardinals: Guard Sean Harlow returned from COVID-19 reserve.
Colts: Safety Jahleel Addae and running back Marlon Mack returned from COVID-19 reserve.
Falcons: Defensive tackle Tyeler Davison returned from COVID-19 reserve.
Jaguars: Jacksonville activated seven players from its COVID-19 reserve list, including defensive starters Josh Allen, Myles Jack and Damien Wilson. Allen, Jack and Wilson cleared protocols and will fly with the team to New England. The Jaguars later added cornerback Shaquill Griffin to the list, bringing their total to 21. They also could be without defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi.
Packers: Cornerback Kevin King returned from COVID-19 reserve.
Ravens: Star QB Lamar Jackson missed practice again because of his injured ankle, and the Ravens listed him as questionable for Sunday’s game against the L.A. Rams. Jackson has missed the past two games.
Titans: Tennessee activated receiver Nick Westbrook-ikhine off the reserve/ COVID-19 list. The Titans will also have left tackle Taylor Lewan and right guard Rodger Saffold back after short stints on the reserve/covid-19 list and them missing last week’s win over the 49ers.