Quarterback Kyler Murray wasn’t able to play for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. But he will be back in the starting lineup next Sunday.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday afternoon Murray has cleared the last hurdles in the concussion protocol. The insider added in his report that the Vikings plan to start Murray in Week 3 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Vikings QB Kyler Murray has cleared the concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Bucs,” wrote Pelissero on X.
Murray suffered a concussion while sliding on a play in the first half of Week 1 versus the Green Bay Packers. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz replaced Murray and led the Vikings to a dramatic 39-22 comeback victory.
Although there were far fewer points, the Vikings also beat the Chicago Bears with Wentz starting Sunday. The Vikings bested the Bears 9-3 to start the season 2-0.
The Vikings will visit the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, September 27. Kickoff is set for 3:05 pm CT.
QB Kyler Murray Set to Return for Vikings
Murray didn’t get much of a chance in his Minnesota debut to play. He suffered a concussion on a controversial play, where two Packers defenders sandwiched the quarterback.
Although the NFL didn’t fine the Green Bay defenders for the hit, the Packers did receive an unnecessary roughness penalty.
Before exiting, Murray went 3-for-5 with 18 yards. He also had zero touchdowns and one interception. On the ground, Murray had nine rushing yards on two carries.
In roughly seven and a half quarters while replacing Murray, Wentz completed 23 of 39 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 7.1 yards per pass and 12 yards per completion with zero interceptions.
Some pundits speculated that Wentz would have a shot at replacing Murray long term with his concussion sidelining him. But after the initial hit, most analysts and fans expected Wentz would get to make more than one start.
Wentz won Sunday to move his career record above the .500 mark to 50-49-1. Although he left with a deficit, Murray received credit for the Week 1 win because he started the game.
Murray Returning for Favorable Schedule Stretch
The timing of Murray’s return might work out quite well for the new Vikings quarterback. Although the team will be back on the road in Week 3, Minnesota will face two winless teams over the next two weeks. The Vikings will then face the 1-1 New Orleans Saints before their Week 6 bye.
It’s dangerous to take any opponent lightly in the NFL. But that’s a much more favorable stretch for Murray to see his first extended Vikings playing time than the Packers and Bears back-to-back.
The next two games could provide an opportunity for Murray and the Vikings to get more acclimated while not facing the most dangerous defenses in the league. Then the team can regroup with their mid-October bye and be ready for the rest of the campaign.
Murray joined the Vikings on a 1-year, $1.3 million contract this past offseason. The quarterback did that because the Arizona Cardinals are still $36.8 million.
But that’s only for one more season. Murray is out to try and earn a long-term contract from Minnesota this fall.
Vikings Get Major Kyler Murray Update Ahead of Buccaneers Matchup