Some recent Minnesota Vikings rumors have to do with the team’s recent battle with the COVID-19 virus and how it could affect them in the future.
Prior to last Saturday’s night practice, the Minnesota Vikings found out that 75 percent of their quarterback room would be unable to participate in the session due to rookie passer Kellen Mond testing positive for COVID-19.
Since neither has received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, both Kirk Cousins and Nate Stanley were forced to sit out of Saturday’s practice as well because they were considered high-risk close contacts. If Cousins and Stanley were fully vaccinated, the NFL’s current COVID-19 protocol would’ve allowed both to participate in the practice session.
Before Saturday’s practice, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer spoke to the local Twin Cities media and it was very clear that he was incredibly frustrated with the majority of his quarterback room being unable to participate in the session.
Vikings Rumors: Several Minnesota players would rather quit the NFL than get vaccinated
On Monday, Zimmer spoke to the local media once again and he continued to express his disappointment in some of Minnesota’s players being unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We could put this thing to bed if we'd all do this, but it is what it is." - Coach Zimmer pic.twitter.com/nL8PmUZeM1
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 2, 2021
Part of Zimmer’s frustrations have to do with him knowing that he won’t be able to convince some of his players to get vaccinated, no matter how hard he tries.
Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen shared some info during his KFAN radio show on Monday that gives an idea about how much some Minnesota players are not willing to budge on their current vaccination stance.
"“I know of at least three [Vikings] players who will quit before they will vaccinate. End of story. There are three players, I know, who will quit before they get the [COVID-19] vaccine.”"
Allen didn’t share the names of the players he’s talking about. But he could be speaking of any of the three quarterbacks who missed Saturday night’s practice (Mond is reportedly unvaccinated as well according to the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer).
If Cousins is one of the players who is willing to quit before getting vaccinated, then the Vikings might need to consider improving their backup situation behind him this season.
Jake Browning might have looked good during Saturday’s practice. But would he be able to step in and lead Minnesota’s offense this year for multiple games if Cousins is forced to miss time due to COVID-19?