Sean Mannion Starting Quarterback vs. Packers

Sean Mannion will start for the Vikings at Green Bay Sunday.

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer confirmed that Mannion, who was activated off the COVID-19/Reserve list Friday morning, will lead Minnesota’s offense in the absence of Kirk Cousins, who tested positive for the virus Friday.

“We hate to see that happen to Kirk, but he’s done a lot of great things for us,” Zimmer said. “Sean is a really good football player, and we’re expecting him to go out and play really well.”

Zimmer said there “really wasn’t” much consideration given to starting rookie Kellen Mond over Mannion, who has been Cousins’ backup all season.

“We knew that Sean was coming back, and Sean is extremely bright, he studies like crazy, he’s a great competitor,” Zimmer said. “He’s put in his time, he’s earned this opportunity, and I think he’ll do great.”