Vikings leave door open for Kirk Cousins to not play vs. Packers but silence talk about possible Kyler Murray competition

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear he expects recently acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins to start for the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings at the 6-3 Packers this coming Sunday. 

Later on Wednesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell left the door somewhat cracked for either Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer to start over Cousins at Lambeau Field.

Vikings "want to be fair to" Kirk Cousins regarding return

"I will say [we’re] excited about the opportunity of spending every moment we can between now and then to get him comfortable and allow him to play for us this Sunday," O'Connell said about Cousins possibly starting against Green Bay, per Jeremy Bergman of the NFL's website. "That’s what we’re working towards, but also want to be fair to Kirk and make sure he feels good about it going to Lambeau Field."

Cousins was with the Vikings from 2018 through the 2023 campaign, and he played in O'Connell's offense across 25 regular-season games from September 2022 up until the signal-caller went down with a torn Achilles in October 2023. As for Wentz, he played poorly in Minnesota's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills this past Monday while starting in place of the injured Kyler Murray.

According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, Murray is still week-to-week with his hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Brosmer could be the next man up for Minnesota because Wentz is dealing with an ankle issue. Wentz's availability for the Green Bay game may not be revealed before Friday at the earliest.