Jefferson, Vikings see 'joy' in Cousins' first full day back with team

EAGAN, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings reveled Thursday in quarterback Kirk Cousins' first full day back with the organization.

Their operations staff opened practice by playing Creed's "Higher" on the team's outdoor speakers, drawing knowing smirks from the handful of players and coaches who remember it as Cousins' anthem during the 2023 season.

"It got me hyped," right tackle Brian O'Neill said. "It felt like it raised the temperature outside a few degrees."

Rookie safety Jakobe Thomas gave up his No. 8 free of charge, saying afterward that "I just want him to come help us win games."

And receiver Justin Jefferson described the day as "a joy to hear him just take over and be a leader in the…