Overview
- Kyler Murray left the Week 1 game with a concussion after taking an illegal hit to the head by Packers safety Javon Bullard that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty.
- The Vikings officially ruled Murray out for Week 2 and placed him in the NFL concussion protocol while Carson Wentz was named the Week 2 starter and J.J. McCarthy listed as the backup.
- Wentz relieved Murray in Week 1, completing 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns to spark a comeback, and he then guided a gritty, low-scoring 9-3 road win in Week 2 in poor weather.
- Head coach Kevin O’Connell and team insiders say Murray has progressed in the protocol and is expected to be cleared early next week, making him the presumptive starter when healthy.
- NFL insiders note a potential decision point if Wentz keeps playing well and the Vikings win, a scenario that would affect McCarthy’s role and the team’s near-term quarterback plan.