Reunion with Kirk Cousins a 'surreal moment' for Justin Jefferson

Jeffrey Becker/Imagn Images By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Today at 2:45 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? There’s nobody that has been able to unlock Justin Jefferson quite like Kirk Cousins. Though it shouldn’t be hard to find Jefferson with regularity, Cousins has understood the assignment better than most. The stats speak for themselves. ADVERTISEMENT In their 55 games played together, Jefferson has recorded 360 receptions for 5,396 yards and 28 touchdowns with Cousins throwing him the ball. That stretch includes Jefferson winning the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. That was where Jefferson’s mind immediately went this week when he learned the Vikings were reacquiring Cousins in a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. “It was kind of like a flashback,” Jefferson said. “Just thinking about all of the different plays and all of the different things that we accomplished when he was here.” Asked if he ever expected to play with Cousins again, Jefferson shook his head and smiled. “Not really,” Jefferson said. “It’s definitely a surreal moment for him to be here.” It’s been tough sledding for Jefferson of late. His production dipped significantly last season with a combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer behind center. It’s been even worse this season with new QB Kyler Murray unable to get comfortable. MORE MINNESOTA VIKINGS COVERAGE: Pro Kirk Cousins is Vikings’ starter, but who’s the backup? Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz are both options, so is Max Brosmer 23h ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Shipley: Kirk Cousins is Vikings' last best option for Super Bowl dreams Minnesota has made a low-stakes bet that Cousins and Kevin O’Connell can finally make it all work 1d ago · By John Shipley / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Why the Vikings and Kirk Cousins need each other A blockbuster trade landed Cousins back in Minnesota with the Vikings 1d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Frederick: All eyes on Kevin O’Connell after Kirk Cousins trade If this doesn’t help the offense, the Vikings’ head coach will be the only guy left to blame 1d ago · By Jace Frederick / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Vikings reacquire Kirk Cousins in blockbuster trade with Raiders The move has the potential to define general manager Nolan Teasley’s tenure 3d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro The legend of Adrian Peterson, as told by the Vikings who knew him best He was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium 3d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Carson Wentz implodes as Vikings suffer embarrassing loss to Bills He completed 7 of 21 pass attempts for 75 yards, no touchdowns, a pair of interceptions, and a fumble 3d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro What do the Vikings need at the trade deadline? A bunch of different names and positions have been throw out there 3d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Vikings star Justin Jefferson breaks silence about offensive struggles He chose not to speak to reporters after the Vikings’ 19-15 loss at Detroit 6d ago · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Carson Wentz will start for Vikings against Bills Kyler Murray has a hamstring strain and is considered week-to-week Nov 5 · By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jefferson was thrilled to learn Cousins was returning. The offense has been a disaster this season, currently ranks No. 31 in yards per game (266.8) and No. 27 in points per game (18.3). ADVERTISEMENT The arrival of Cousins should help. With the Raiders, Cousins threw for 2,340 yards (fifth in the NFL) and 20 touchdowns (second). “It’s much needed at this point in time to kind of switch things up,” Jefferson said. “Hopefully he brings that juice, that energy, and that leadership that we need.” It would probably help to get Jefferson the ball more often. He only has 31 receptions for 393 yards this season and has somehow only eclipsed 100 yards once in the past 19 games he’s suited up for the Vikings. Not that Jefferson is expecting to be spammed now that Cousins is back. “There’s really no expectations,” Jefferson said. “It’s just about going out there and executing our plays.” Asked about this week about the art of getting Jefferson involved, Cousins expressed confidence that he’d be able to hit the ground running on that front. He added that he won’t force the issue. “You don’t go chasing things,” Cousins said. “You also understand the player he is.” ADVERTISEMENT There has been a palpable energy in the building this week as Cousins has tried to get up to speed as quickly as possible before the Vikings travel to play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. You can tell he’s already making his presence felt. That much was clear on Thursday at TCO Performance Center as the Vikings warmed up at the start of practice with “Higher” by Creed playing in the background. A few players cracked knowing smiles as the song that became synonymous with Cousins once upon a time blared over the loud speakers. Then it was back to work. “It’s just a joy to hear him take over and be a leader in the meeting room and on the field,” Jefferson said. “It’s definitely a cool little situation, for sure.” Text Example ____________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags MINNESOTA VIKINGS NFL Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Pro Shaikin: Why the players' union can't just walk away if MLB owners insist on a salary cap 1h ago · By Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times (TNS) Pro Sharp-shooting Timberwolves cruise to easy win over Mavericks 16h ago · By Field Level Media Pro Matt Boldy (hat trick), Wild stay hot, extend Leafs' skid to five 17h ago · By Field Level Media ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Who is the next state champion? Follow our Dakota Bowl live blog 8h ago · By Forum staff North Dakota Audit raises concerns at North Dakota Veterans Home, including choking death caused by improper meal 1d ago · By Sav Kelly North Dakota ND Development Fund pauses new financing to address audit; Commerce head takes back board seat 22h ago · By Nathan Price / The Bismarck Tribune North Dakota North Dakota readies for public charter school applications in early December 1d ago · By Robin Huebner