Vikings QB Cousins stresses importance of COVID-19 protocols; calls vaccination status a ‘private health matter’

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins spoke with reporters Thursday after he was reinstated from the COVID-19 inactive list.

Cousins addressed his vaccinated status, stating it is "a private health matter," adding he will "keep it as such." It was recently reported the Vikings have the lowest vaccination rate in the NFL.

The Michigan State-alumni also stressed the importance to follow the COVID-19 protocols and guidance all season long, explaining his reasoning for being put on the COVID-19 list was due to being in a small room, spaced out, in the area where an infected player was. Cousins said having to miss four practices and not be sick with the virus was "frustrating."

"Had we met in a larger room, I would not have missed practice," Cousins said Thursday.

The quarterback also said he met with head coach Mike Zimmer recently, calling it a "tremendous conversation." He would not elaborate on what was discussed, calling it a "private manner." Zimmer recently expressed his frustrations with the vaccination rate on the team in an earlier press conference this week.

"As long as I can not test positive and not have a close contact, I’ll be there every game," Cousins said, adding "It’s not worth it to potentially contract the virus."

He reiterated he would be "vigilant" in avoiding those situations.