Kirk Cousins to miss Vikings first preseason game after testing positive for COVID-19

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will miss the team's first preseason game after testing positive for COVID-19. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell announced the news Friday.

Cousins won't play in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to the positive test. He's expected to return to the Vikings next week. He has minimal COVID-19 symptoms, per O'Connell.

With Cousins sidelined, the team will play both Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond. O'Connell did not announce which player would start the contest.

Cousins made headlines in 2021 over his refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Cousins said he would rather surround himself in plexiglass than get vaccinated. He also shrugged off concerns about getting the virus in 2020, saying, "If I die, I die."

It's the second time since 2021 Cousins has missed a game due COVID-19. He missed the team's Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers after being put in COVID-19 protocols. The Vikings were 7-8 at the time, and a game out of a playoff spot. Without Cousins, Minnesota lost the contest 37-10. The team finished the season 8-9 and failed to make the playoffs.