What Kirk Cousins' Torn Achilles Means for Detroit Lions

Could the Lions run away with the NFC North?

The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2023 season as the reigning NFC North champions. This made them largely viewed as the biggest challenger to the Detroit Lions for a division title. 

In Week 8, the Vikings' division title hopes took a massive hit. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has torn his Achilles' tendon, per reports, which would be a season-ending setback for the veteran signal-caller. 

Cousins has been among the league's best passers over the past several years. Heading into Week 8, he had thrown for 2,057 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

With the trade deadline set for Tuesday, the injury could change the outlook for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 

The team could've been buyers, but may now change its decision-making as a result of the injury. 

Should the Michigan State product be lost for the season, Minnesota would turn to Jaren Hall in the interim. When Cousins left Minnesota's win over Green Bay with injury, it was the rookie Hall who stepped in and made his NFL debut. 

Backup Nick Mullens is currently on injured reserve, but has starting experience. He has played in 24 career games, starting 17, and has thrown 27 touchdowns. The veteran could potentially step in once he returns from IR. 

A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Hall went three-for-four in his first taste of NFL action. With Mullens not eligible to return for at least two weeks, the rookie should continue to get snaps. 

The only other option currently in the organization is Sean Mannion, whom the Vikings had previously signed to their practice squad. The Oregon State product served as Cousins' backup from 2020-21, and has made one start for the Vikings.

The Lions won't play Minnesota until late in the season, first meeting in Week 16 and again in the season finale. By that time, the Vikings will likely have a stable situation under center. 

However, this injury turns the tides of the division race. Without the veteran under center, the Vikings' offense could enter a state of turbulence in the immediate future. 

Recall, Justin Jefferson was placed on injured reserve Oct. 11 with a hamstring injury.

The Vikings take on a pair of NFC South foes in the next two weeks, facing Atlanta followed by New Orleans. A difficult matchup against Cincinnati looms on Dec. 17, the week before their first matchup with Detroit. 

They've managed to win the last three games without Jefferson, and held the seventh seed in the NFC coming into Sunday. Among those wins was a surprising upset of the San Francisco 49ers. 

With the questions at quarterback, the Lions' rival is now in a tough position. Without Cousins, the Vikings' offense will likely take a hit. 

The Lions can maintain a two-game lead in the division over Minnesota with a win Monday. After the Vikings knocked off Green Bay Sunday, the Packers fell to 3-5, and would sit three games back if Detroit defeats Las Vegas. 

Though still competitive, it becomes much easier to see Detroit distancing itself from Minnesota, as a result of the unfortunate injury to Cousins.