Kirk Cousins strolled into a news conference on his first day back at the Vikings’ practice facility with a piece of paper in hand, notes he could reference as he tried to explain both why he was placed on the NFL’s COVID-19/reserve list and what he’ll do this season to keep it from happening again.
He had spent the last five days barred from the team’s headquarters, leaving him absent from more training camp practices than ones he’s participated in. His banishment raised questions about how the team would react if a similar situation arose midseason, left his head coach flummoxed about the roster’s status as the least-vaccinated team in the league and renewed calls for the Vikings’ most important players to receive the vaccine.
But when Cousins arrived at the podium, there was little introspection to speak of. Instead, he used the same playbook he’s followed throughout any challenging moments in Minnesota: dodge, deflect and refuse blame. When the Vikings missed the playoffs his first year in town, Cousins said it was exciting because of what was to come. When the Vikings failed to mount a game-winning drive in the final moments a year ago, Cousins noted that the offense actually played quite well in the loss, citing their 500 yards and 30 points against the Colts.
On Thursday, the excuse generator spun again and landed on an unlikely source.
