Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is going back to his signature jersey number as he prepares for his first game back with the Minnesota Vikings this season.
Cousins has been playing in the NFL since 2012, starting his second stint with Minnesota. He started the 2026 campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders, playing through the first nine weeks before the team traded him to the Vikings in exchange for a third-round pick.
Cousins has immense familiarity with Minnesota, enjoying some of the best seasons of his career there. Looking to get the ball rolling once again, he will continue to don the No. 8 jersey. Rookie defender Jakobe Thomas started the campaign with the number, but he will now embrace the No. 6 jersey instead.
“New #Vikings QB Kirk Cousins will wear No. 8, as he got 3rd-round rookie S Jakobe Thomas to switch to No. 6,” NFL insider Ari Meirov wrote.
What lies ahead for Kirk Cousins, Vikings
The Vikings began the season with a 6-0 record before losing their last two games. Seeing their momentum worsen due to poor quarterback play, getting Kirk Cousins back on the team will elevate their ceiling as a potentially serious playoff contender.
Cousins represented the Vikings for six seasons from 2018 to 2023, making the playoffs twice. He built a strong connection with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson, one that will garner serious attention for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.
Minnesota has a 6-2 record this season, sitting at third place in the NFC North Division standings. They are above the Green Bay Packers while trailing the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. In terms of the conference standings, they are sixth place. They lead over the Packers and the Seattle Seahawks while being under the Lions and the Carolina Panthers.
The Vikings will continue preparations for their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 as kickoff commences on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. ET.