Overview
- Murray will make his Minnesota debut on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers after being named the Vikings’ starter in August.
- Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who coached Murray in Arizona from 2023–2025, warned that Murray can “train wreck the game” with his ability to escape the pocket and extend plays.
- Green Bay will start the season without edge rusher Micah Parsons because Parsons remains on the PUP list recovering from a torn ACL, a loss that analysts say weakens the Packers’ pass rush.
- The Vikings reported a healthy final practice and enter the opener with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison available, boosting expectations that Murray can produce if he stays healthy.
- Coverage is split between bullish projections from fantasy analysts who named Murray a Week 1 start and pundits who call 2026 a make-or-break season for his future as an NFL starter and a contract candidate.