Sean Mannion Gets Starting Nod For Vikings

Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and backup QB Sean Mannion has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list along with tackle Rashod Hill, the team announced.

Mannion is expected to start in place of Cousins on Sunday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Mannion had been on the reserve/COVID-19 list since Sunday, leaving rookie Kellen Mond as the top remaining backup.

Former Vikings backup Kyle Sloter also made a return trip to Minnesota this week, signing with the team following Mannion's placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Around the NFL reports.

Mannion, the veteran who spent most of his career as a backup with the Rams but appeared in three games with the Vikings back in the 2019 season, will be tasked with leading an offense that currently ranks ninth in total offense and passing, fourth in big plays and third in turnovers this season.

"I think (the team is) going to rally behind Sean," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Friday. "They know how important this game is. They believe in Sean."

In their first meeting this season, the Vikings defeated the Packers 34-31 in Week 11 but the Packers haven't lost a game since. Minnesota has lost three of their last five, narrowing their window to enter the playoffs.

The Vikings (7-8) will travel to face the Packers (12-3) in Week 17's matchup before hosting the Chicago Bears (5-10) to wrap up the regular season on Jan. 9.

Follow Meg Turner on Twitter @Megnturner_ and Instagram @Megnturner.

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