The Minnesota Vikings played their first game Sunday without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, but they definitely had him in their thoughts.
The veteran quarterback suffered a torn Achilles Oct. 29 in a win over the Green Bay Packers. He’ll miss the rest of the season, and the injury could spell the end of Cousins’ tenure in Minnesota, as he’s set to become a free agent in the offseason.
But Vikings players stepped up to honor their teammate Sunday before their game against the Atlanta Falcons. During pregame warmups, players wore jerseys emblazoned with Cousins’ name and several images of him in action.
In their first game without Kirk Cousins… #Vikings players are honoring their starting QB in warmups. Love it. pic.twitter.com/NW87RQt7Bt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2023
The shirts were a nice touch, but on social media, they once again raised the debate about Cousins’ status in the sport. Despite putting up impressive numbers, he’s never ranked among the elite QBs, and fans are often quick to blame him when things go bad.
In other words, many believe he’s vastly underrated.
But Vikings players clearly love their fallen teammate.
Amazing how loved Kirk is by the players and disrespected he is by the fans. #TeamKirk pic.twitter.com/iZ9ueK4SkJ
— Gen.G JKeith (@JKeith33) November 5, 2023
It is impressive how much that locker room is behind him. Clearly an incredible leader.
— NFL Fan (@NFLFan_Bucs) November 5, 2023
Kirk Cousins is really underrated. He’s so good and he’s also clearly respected by his teammates and that is so amazing.
I hope he gets healthy and back soon
— JBA Jews R where extreme left & right meet 2 hate (@AdlerJoelle) November 5, 2023
Team love is everything in a team , once you lose it they team spirit is gone
— Pulsechain Fanatic (@YankeeDoodle7) November 5, 2023
This is dope but does the team know he’s still alive?
— Set The Line Pod (@SetTheLinePod) November 5, 2023
