The Vikings are facing a tough situation after quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, which is expected to be confirmed on Monday (Oct. 29). Now, they have to find a replacement for him. Although a trade could happen before Tuesday’s deadline, there’s no one available who has experience playing under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. So, what will the Minnesota Vikings do without Kirk Cousins?

Well, there is a veteran player who has spent three years with O’Connell in Washington.

What Will the Minnesota Vikings Do Without Kirk Cousins?

According to someone in the know via NBC Sports, there’s a possibility that Colt McCoy might be joining the Vikings, either as part of the team or on the practice squad. McCoy and O’Connell were teammates from 2017 to 2019, with O’Connell serving as quarterbacks coach, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, and offensive coordinator during that time. Recently, the Vikings had a workout session with McCoy and Sean Mannion. While Mannion was signed to the practice squad, McCoy’s status remains uncertain as Nick Mullens is currently on injured reserve.

Mullens will need to sit out another game on IR. It’s uncertain what the Vikings will decide this week. Jaren Hall, a rookie fifth-rounder, is currently QB2 and took over in Sunday’s game after Cousins got injured.

Aside from McCoy, who could step in for Cousins? A few options include Ryan Tannehill of the Titans (who is currently dealing with a high-ankle sprain), Jacoby Brissett of the Commanders, Nick Mullens and Case Keenum of the Texans.

For someone who’s watched Cousins’ career from his time at Michigan State University today, this injury is heartbreaking. He had really hit his stride this year and was clocking some of his best numbers yet. Also, what’s up with all these season-ending Achilles tears? Just a few minutes into the first game in the season, Aaron Rodgers ended his season with an Achilles injury, putting the New York Jets in a difficult spot. Can’t we protect these quarterbacks more? These guys make millions upon millions of dollars this year. You’d think a top priority would be making sure they didn’t suffer these kind of long-term injuries.

Cousins in 35, which makes one wonder if he might actually want to retire after healing up from this injury. He still has plenty of game left, if he wants it. But, football is a dangerous sport, and it’s hard on one’s body. He might want to call it a day and enjoy life with his family. But, I truly hope not, because Cousins has never reached his full potential in the NFL, and I believe his best days are ahead.