Sean Mannion to Replace Kirk Cousins on Sunday

Most of you have already heard by now but Kirk Cousins was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Friday morning, meaning the Minnesota Vikings will have to fight for their playoff lives Sunday night vs the Green Bay Packers without him. It’s something he saw coming when the NFL stopped testing unvaccinated players on a daily basis.

Cousins had symptoms and reported them this morning before his positive test, according to Adam Schefter (ESPN). Vaccinated or unvaccinated, he would’ve been forced to miss Sunday night’s game. He’ll be eligible to test out of protocols after five days if his symptoms subside, thanks to an NFL rule change last week. In the meantime, the Vikings are expected to turn to 6-year league veteran, Sean Mannion, to keep their 2021 playoff hopes alive vs the Packers.

I'm told that the Vikings are planning to announce Sean Mannion will be coming off the COVID-19/Reserve list today. He was placed on the COVID list last Sunday while Kellen Mond served as Kirk Cousins' backup. Mannion will be in line to start vs. GB.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 31, 2021

Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins tested positive for COVID, sources tell ESPN. As an unvaccinated player, he’s out Sunday night vs. Packers.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2021

Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins had symptoms, self reported and then tested positive.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2021

Who is Sean Mannion?

Mannion hasn’t taken an NFL snap since 2019 and, in 13 career appearances, has 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Sean was drafted out of Oregon State in the 3rd round of the 2015 draft by the (then) St. Louis Rams. As a Beaver, Mannion racked up the passing statistics.

His 13,600 career passing yards still holds as the 2nd-most ever by a PAC-12 quarterback. His 4,662 passing yards and 37 touchdowns in 2013 still hold as PAC-12 single-season records. Mannion’s 54 career interceptions, however, also ranks 4th most in conference history.

The Minnesota Vikings will hope that Sean Mannion can bring some of his OSU magic to Green Bay on Sunday night or their season could come to an end. If the purple lose this weekend and the Eagles win, they will be eliminated from playoff contention.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan