The Minnesota Vikings were dealt a tough blow on Saturday, as starting quarterback Kirk Cousins was placed on the league's COVID-19 reserve list. Therefore, he was ruled out from Sunday's must-win game against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay was looking to clinch the overall #1 seed and first round bye in the playoffs. That's a tough spot for any team to be in without their quarterback.

In place of Cousins, Minnesota started Sean Mannion at quarterback. Mannion struggled throughout the game, completing 22 of 36 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. He did not turn the ball over however. Despite that, third string quarterback Kellen Mond came in to play a few snaps Sunday night.

Mond finished two for three passing for five yards.

After the game, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer addressed the idea of giving Mond playing time next week.

When asked if he would want to see Mond play next week, Zimmer replied “not particularly.” He was pressed why that was. His answer was very blunt. “I see him everyday.”

The brutal take speaks to the relative lack of talent compared to that of Kirk Cousins no doubt. With the loss Sunday, the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention, falling to 7-9 on the season. Next week, the Vikings will finish the season at home vs. the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the Packers clinched their first round bye with the win. They will finish the regular season next week against the Detroit Lions. It would make sense for Green Bay to rest some starters heading into the playoffs.