Kyler Murray will have to wait a little longer for his next game in a Minnesota Vikings jersey. The quarterback has been ruled out against the Chicago Bears as he continues to work through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but his return could be just around the corner.
He took an illegal hit to the head from Green Bay safety Javon Bullard, according to AP. “He plays with such explosiveness that he was trying to go feet-first, but he ended up going kind of sideways,” O’Connell said. Murray was injured in the first quarter of his Vikings debut during the season opener. The play led to an unnecessary roughness penalty. O’Connell explained what happened. “The game speed and the velocity of the play ended up putting him in a risk-worthy opportunity there for him to get hurt, and luckily it seems to be we avoided anything serious. Just how he’s feeling, I’m very encouraged about what next week looks for him.”
He should then be able to play at Tampa Bay on September 27, according to AP. As per Fox Sports , Murray has made enough progress that the Vikings feel he could return in Week 3. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has also been ruled out after missing practice all week due to a personal family matter, according to AP. Because of a broken thumb, running back Jordan Mason will miss at least four games.
However, coach Kevin O’Connell said he was encouraged by how O’Neill looked on the field Friday. O’Connell said he expects Murray to clear the protocol early next week. “Kyler showed a lot of progress,” O’Connell said. “He actually progressed really fast in his concussion protocol to the point where he even did some scout team reps last week,” Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer said. “They think he’s going to progress again this week to the point where he could even go in next week.”
Murray is not the only Vikings player who will miss the game. Right tackle Brian O’Neill is listed as questionable with a knee injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice. “He’s doing well.
