Kirk Cousins is Vikings’ starter, but who’s the backup?

Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Today at 3:45 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? As he tried to dance around a question about whether Kirk Cousins would be the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback moving forward, general manager Nolan Teasley wound up saying the quiet part out loud. After initially deferring to head coach Kevin O’Connell on depth chart decisions, Teasley concluded his answer by saying, “We didn’t acquire Kirk to not play.” ADVERTISEMENT Bingo. The decision to reacquire Cousins at the trade deadline was made with every intention of making him the starter, maybe even as soon as the rivalry matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. “That’s what we’re working towards,” O’Connell said. “I also want to be fair to Kirk and make sure he feels good.” Who will be his backup? The answer to that question will probably change as time progresses. It doesn’t sound as if Kyler Murray will be ready to return from a strained hamstring in time to suit up for the Vikings against the Packers. He still hasn’t been able to participate in practice with where he’s at in the recovery process. Meanwhile, Carson Wentz is working through a sprained ankle, which could impact his availability in the short term. If for some reason Wentz can’t go, Max Brosmer would be the next man up for the Vikings against the Packers. MORE MINNESOTA VIKINGS COVERAGE: Pro Shipley: Kirk Cousins is Vikings' last best option for Super Bowl dreams Minnesota has made a low-stakes bet that Cousins and Kevin O’Connell can finally make it all work 22h ago · By John Shipley / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Why the Vikings and Kirk Cousins need each other A blockbuster trade landed Cousins back in Minnesota with the Vikings 22h ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Frederick: All eyes on Kevin O’Connell after Kirk Cousins trade If this doesn’t help the offense, the Vikings’ head coach will be the only guy left to blame 23h ago · By Jace Frederick / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Vikings reacquire Kirk Cousins in blockbuster trade with Raiders The move has the potential to define general manager Nolan Teasley’s tenure 2d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro The legend of Adrian Peterson, as told by the Vikings who knew him best He was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium 2d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Carson Wentz implodes as Vikings suffer embarrassing loss to Bills He completed 7 of 21 pass attempts for 75 yards, no touchdowns, a pair of interceptions, and a fumble 2d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro What do the Vikings need at the trade deadline? A bunch of different names and positions have been throw out there 2d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Vikings star Justin Jefferson breaks silence about offensive struggles He chose not to speak to reporters after the Vikings’ 19-15 loss at Detroit 6d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Carson Wentz will start for Vikings against Bills Kyler Murray has a hamstring strain and is considered week-to-week Nov 5 · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Vikings legend Adrian Peterson still thinks about these two games The former Minnesota tailback is set to be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday night Nov 4 · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press “I’m hopeful that Carson can get to a place where he can be the No. 2,” O’Connell said. “I also thought Max going in late in the game the other night showed some of the things that he’s really worked hard on.” ADVERTISEMENT As soon as everybody is fully healthy, Murray would more than likely slot in as the backup, while Wentz would presumably serve in an emergency role. It’s unclear whether the Vikings would keep Brosmer on the active roster or try to slide him to the practice squad. “Obviously with Kirk and hopefully his comfort and continuing to play as well as he has this year in our offense right now, we feel really good about that,” O’Connell said. “We also feel really good about the potential to have Kyler, Carson, and Max in that room as we push forward here down the stretch.” The main objective is having a deep group that can withstand injuries if they pop up. “You just never know,” O’Connell said. “We do not hold the cards in how this will go from a health standpoint.” Asked how Murray and Wentz took the news about the Vikings bringing back Cousins at the trade deadline, O’Connell noted that conversations were professional, adding that both players understood the decision at its core. “We had the opportunity to acquire a player we know really well,” O’Connell said. “We know that, with where we’re at right now, how important it is to make sure that to maximize who we want to be as a team.” This wasn’t a situation where the Vikings could worry about feelings. Not when this particular group of players looks capable of being a Super Bowl contender if the offense can start pulling its weight. ADVERTISEMENT “It’s almost the middle of November,” O’Connell said. “The time is upon us where we need to be the type of team that we want to be to hopefully matter when December and January roll around.” Text Example ____________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags MINNESOTA VIKINGS NFL Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Pro Twins ‘engaged’ in talks with catcher Ryan Jeffers 23h ago · By Betsy Helfand / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Kaprizov’s OT winner extends Wild points streak to 9 games 1d ago · By Field Level Media Pro Michael McCarron making big impact with Wild 1d ago · By Jess Myers / St. Paul Pioneer Press ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Subscribers Only UND Hockey Get to know UND junior forward Gavin Lindberg 2h ago · By Brad Elliott Schlossman Breaking News North Dakota Audit raises concerns at North Dakota Veterans Home, including choking death caused by improper meal 3h ago · By Sav Kelly Arts and Entertainment Northern Valley Youth Orchestras fall concert set for Sunday 8h ago · By Pamela Knudson Local Grand Forks school district expands career exploration opportunities for middle school students 8h ago · By Pamela Knudson