Kyler Murray is not playing for the Minnesota Vikings today against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings officially listed Murray as inactive Sunday as the quarterback continues working through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Carson Wentz started in Murray’s place, with J.J. McCarthy available as the backup. There was encouraging news for Murray before kickoff, however: FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that the Vikings believe Murray has progressed enough that he could return in Week 3.
Kyler Murray Injury: Why Isn’t QB Playing Today?
Murray suffered the concussion late in the first quarter against Green Bay on September 13.
The Vikings quarterback scrambled before sliding and absorbed contact from Packers defenders Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness. Murray stayed down for several minutes before walking off the field under his own power. Minnesota later ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
There was progress during the week.
He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but head coach Kevin O’Connell ruled him out Friday because he had not completed concussion protocol. Minnesota then officially placed Murray on its inactive list Sunday morning.
Murray is not simply sitting because Minnesota prefers Wentz. He has not been medically cleared to play.
Who is Starting for the Vikings Instead of Kyler Murray?
Wentz started against Chicago, with J.J. McCarthy serving as Minnesota’s backup.
He replaced Murray against Green Bay and completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota erased a 22-10 deficit and scored 29 unanswered points in a 39-22 victory.
Now Wentz gets a full week, and a milestone.
Sunday will be his 100th career NFL start. He also has considerably more recent experience in Kevin O’Connell’s offense than the typical backup quarterback. Wentz started five games for Minnesota last season, completing 110 of 169 passes for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.
That continuity is suddenly valuable. The Bears piled up 59 points and 291 rushing yards in their Week 1 win over Carolina, while Minnesota is also missing running back Jordan Mason and receiver Jauan Jennings.
Wentz does not inherit a normal backup-QB assignment.
Is Kyler Murray Still the Vikings’ Starting Quarterback?
Yes. Nothing Minnesota has announced suggests otherwise.
The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year contract in March after seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. O’Connell then named him Minnesota’s starter on August 11 following an offseason and training-camp competition with McCarthy.
His Vikings debut barely had time to develop. Murray completed 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards before the concussion ended his afternoon.
Wentz’s performance against Green Bay gave Minnesota a capable bridge, not necessarily a quarterback controversy.
For Sunday, the depth chart is settled: Wentz starts, McCarthy backs him up and Murray watches while continuing through concussion protocol.
The next question is no longer whether Murray will face Chicago. It is whether he can complete the protocol in time to reclaim the offense in Week 3.
How Long is Kyler Murray Out?
Glazer reported on “FOX NFL Kickoff” that Murray progressed quickly during the week and even took scout-team reps. According to Glazer, Minnesota believes Murray could advance far enough in the protocol to play next week.
That does not guarantee Murray will play in Week 3. Players in concussion protocol still must complete the required medical steps and receive clearance. But it provides the clearest timeline yet for his possible return.
Minnesota visits Tampa Bay on September 27.
Is Kyler Murray Playing Today? Why Vikings QB Is Out vs. Bears