Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is wasting little time putting Kirk Cousins back in charge of the offense.

As the Vikings (6-2) prepare for a pivotal NFC North matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on Fox at Lambeau Field, O'Connell confirmed Cousins will start at quarterback following his return to Minnesota.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported O'Connell's decision Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Kirk Cousins will start on Sunday against the #Packers, per #Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell.”

The decision gives Cousins an immediate opportunity to begin his second stint with Minnesota against one of the franchise's biggest rivals.

Minnesota reunited with Cousins earlier this week, acquiring the veteran quarterback from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. The move brought the 38-year-old back to the organization he previously played for from 2018 through 2023.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins will officially start this Sunday vs the Packers, the team has announced. pic.twitter.com/tT90tFVWcZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 13, 2026

Kirk Cousins immediately takes over Vikings offense

Cousins also has significant familiarity with O'Connell's offense. The two worked together during the 2022 and 2023 seasons after O'Connell became Minnesota's head coach.

That familiarity should help Cousins make a quick transition despite arriving in Minnesota in the middle of the season.

Cousins also returns after experiencing a resurgence with Las Vegas. He completed 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions across nine starts, posting a 97.1 passer rating while helping the Raiders remain competitive before the trade.

Now, Cousins will attempt to carry that production into his second stint with Minnesota.

The Vikings enter Sunday's matchup in strong position at 6-2, making their divisional meeting with Green Bay an important game in the NFC playoff picture.

Cousins will also return to a familiar environment at Lambeau Field. The veteran faced the Packers numerous times during his first six seasons with Minnesota, including several games with O'Connell calling the offense.

Rather than easing Cousins back into the system, O'Connell has made the straightforward choice to immediately hand the offense to his former quarterback as Minnesota enters a critical stretch of the 2026 season.