Kirk Cousins Achilles update: MRI confirms injury for Michigan State, Vikings quarterback

Editor's note: This story has been updated from a previous

Kirk Cousins was ruled out for the remainder of the Minnesota Vikings' game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Vikings announced. Following the game, Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell said the team feared it was an Achilles injury, which was later confirmed via an MRI.

The former Michigan State football standout was carted to the locker room after limping to the sideline early in the fourth quarter. He left the game with 274 passing yards and two touchdowns.

More: NFL power rankings: How big a threat are Minnesota Vikings to Detroit Lions in NFC North?

Heading into Sunday's matchup, Cousins ranked third in the NFL in passing yards (2,057) and first in passing touchdowns (16) in his 12th season. Now his injury casts doubt about whether any team will challenge the Detroit Lions atop the NFC North standings.

Cousins was selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft after passing for 6,130 yards and 66 touchdowns with the Spartans from 2008-11.

Here's everything you need to know about Cousins' injury:

Did Kirk Cousins suffer an Achilles injury?

After the game, O'Connell told reporters the team fears Cousins suffered a torn Achilles against the Packers on Sunday. The play looked awfully similar to Aaron Rodgers' injury in Week 1 of the NFL season, which also turned out to be an Achilles tear.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported shortly after the game that Cousins tore his Achilles, and an MRI will be taken Monday to confirm the injury. The news was also reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Update (Oct. 30): An MRI has confirmed the Vikings' fears that Cousins suffered a torn Achilles. The Vikings specified that details for a recovery timeline and Cousins' impending surgical procedure are still to come.

Cousins will likely miss the rest of the season, as an Achilles tear typically takes around four to six months to heal.

Kirk Cousins injury update

Cousins left Minnesota's game against the Green Bay on Sunday with a non-contact injury. He was carted off the field and ruled out for the remainder of the game by the Vikings.

The 35-year-old quarterback limped to the sideline early in the fourth quarter after suffering the non-contact injury.

What is Kirk Cousins' injury?

Cousins was ruled out with an ankle injury during the game, according to the Vikings. O'Connell after the game said the Vikings fear it's an Achilles tear, something which a Monday MRI later confirmed.

Who is Jaren Hall?

Cousins was replaced by backup quarterback Jaren Hall, a rookie out of BYU.

Hall was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Vikings, and completed three of four passes for 23 yards in relief of Cousins.

Hall, 25, played for the Cougars from 2018-22, serving as the starter in his final two seasons. He threw for 5,754 yards with 51 touchdowns to 11 interceptions as BYU's starter.

How Vikings-Packers game affects NFC North race

The Vikings' win was a pyrrhic one Sunday: They lost Cousins, presumably for the season, while beating the Packers 24-10. That places Minnesota (4-4) second in the division behind Detroit (5-2). The Bears, with backup rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, and the Lions on Monday night host the Las Vegas Raiders to finish Week 8.

Here's a full look at the NFC North standings following Sunday's game:

1. Detroit Lions (5-2)

2. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

3. Green Bay Packers (2-5)

4. Chicago Bears (2-5)

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kirk Cousins Achilles update: MRI confirms injury to Vikings QB