Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will return as the team’s starter for Sunday’s Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Monday.
Kyler Murray Clears Protocol Ahead of Week 3
The 29-year-old signal-caller missed Minnesota’s Week 2 contest and the majority of the season opener due to a head injury sustained during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Bank Stadium when Packers safety Javon Bullard delivered a hit that left Murray briefly motionless on the turf.
Before exiting the game after just 11 snaps, Murray completed 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards, threw one interception under pressure from a free-rusher blitz, and rushed twice for 9 yards. Although sidelined for the remainder of that 39-22 victory and the subsequent Week 3 buildup, Murray experienced mild enough symptoms to participate in limited practice sessions last week, giving team staff confidence in his imminent return.
Carson Wentz Guiding Vikings to 2-0 Start
During Murray’s absence, backup Carson Wentz stepped into the starting lineup and guided the Vikings to a flawless 2-0 record. O’Connell praised Wentz’s steady presence, noting that the backup protected the football and kept the offense efficient. Wentz threw three touchdown passes in relief against Green Bay and managed a wet, rugged defensive battle against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Across his two starts, Wentz accumulated 276 yards on 23-of-39 passing, absorbed six sacks, and did not commit a single turnover. O’Connell remarked that watching Wentz operate from the sidelines offered Murray a valuable perspective on how the team’s offense, defense, and special teams function in unison.
Matchup Context Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Murray back under center, the Vikings offense prepares to face a Tampa Bay squad entering Week 3 following consecutive losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. Murray, who signed with Minnesota as a free agent this past spring after seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, will look to lean on running back Aaron Jones. Jones comes off a productive 105-yard rushing performance in the team’s latest victory.
Kickoff for Sunday’s game is approaching as Minnesota looks to extend its winning streak with its primary quarterback returning to the field.
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