What Kyle Shanahan Texted Kirk Cousins About 49ers After Vikings Trade

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan congratulated quarterback Kirk Cousins on his return to the Minnesota Vikings. Shanahan jokingly reminded Cousins that he hasn't had a Bye Week this year. The trade means Cousins will miss his scheduled break altogether. Shanahan thought it was an opportunity and teased Cousins about taking a week off.

The joke got a laugh from the audience. Shanahan was talking about the possibility of facing Cousins twice in one season with different teams. Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round draft pick. Cousins returns to the franchise he played for from 2018 to 2023 before moving to Atlanta and joining Las Vegas this year.

The Vikings will face San Francisco in Mexico City on November 22. This gives Shanahan another chance to meet Cousins after the quarterback's new team. Shanahan couldn't remember another season where he faced the same quarterback on two different teams. Shanahan also pointed out that wide receiver Keenan Allen, recently acquired by the 49ers, loses his bye after changing teams.

Allen, who is learning a new offense, will miss his break and Shanahan plans to give him a three-day Bye Week after their Thursday night game against the Chargers. San Francisco also has a demanding travel schedule ahead, heading to Colorado after a road game in Dallas before traveling to Mexico City, where players need time to adjust to the altitude.

The extra time away means players will be away from their normal routines. Shanahan compared the situation to the team's trip to Australia, where arriving early helped players adjust to the time difference. When Cousins visits, he'll have his own adjustment after leaving Las Vegas, but he'll be back with a team he knows well.