Vikings head to Tampa Bay near full strength with Kyler Murray cleared
The short version
- Kyler Murray has cleared concussion protocol and is off the injury report after being hurt in the season opener
- Aaron Jones (knee) and DeeJay Dallas (toe) practiced fully Friday; Jordan Mason remains on Injured Reserve until at least mid-October
- Backup center Nick Sarnac is out; punter Brett Thorson is sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Johnny Hekker signed to punt
- The Vikings are 2-0; the Buccaneers are 0-0 heading into Week 3
Minnesota gets its starting quarterback back from concussion protocol, while Tampa Bay's opponent list shows only a punter injury and one backup ruled out for Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings enter Sunday's Week 3 matchup at 2-0, but their two wins over the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears came without several key pieces. Now, ahead of their meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Vikings are close to full strength for the first time this season.
The biggest news is at quarterback. Kyler Murray, acquired in an offseason trade with the Arizona Cardinals before winning the starting job in training camp, suffered a concussion in the season opener against Green Bay when he was hit hard by two Packer tacklers. He has now cleared concussion protocol and is completely off the injury report, giving head coach Kevin O'Connell the chance to open up an offense that veteran Carson Wentz ran in a more limited form during Murray's absence.
Minnesota rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Green Bay in the opener and then leaned on a strong defensive performance to win on the road in Chicago. With Murray back, O'Connell is expected to look for connections with star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to generate big plays against a Tampa Bay defense that will be tested by the returning starter.
At running back, Aaron Jones was a concern earlier in the week with a knee injury. He was limited in Thursday's practice but returned as a full participant Friday. His backup role has shifted because Jordan Mason is on Injured Reserve and unavailable until at least mid-October, leaving DeeJay Dallas as the No. 2 back. Dallas, listed with a toe injury early in the week, was also limited Thursday before practicing fully Friday.
On the offensive line, left tackle Christian Darrisaw sat out Friday's session, but the team said it was a veteran rest day rather than an injury. Right tackle Brian O'Neill, nursing a knee issue, was limited Wednesday before full participation Thursday and Friday. Backup center Nick Sarnac has been ruled out, leaving Blake Brandel to handle the full workload at center. The only other change comes at punter, where rookie Brett Thorson is out with a right hamstring injury suffered in Week 2. Veteran Johnny Hekker, who lost the summer competition to Thorson, was signed to fill in. Thorson had averaged 45.8 yards per punt with five of 10 attempts downed inside the 20; Hekker averaged 46.8 yards on 78 punts for the Tennessee Titans last season after 10 years with the Rams and three with the Panthers.
The defense appears healthy. Linebacker Blake Cashman's ankle issue limited him Thursday, but he practiced fully Friday, as did defensive linemen Jalen Redmond (elbow) and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (oblique) after limited work earlier in the week. Veteran safety Harrison Smith was given a rest day Friday.
The winless Buccaneers, off to an 0-2 start, will be desperate for their first victory of the season when the Vikings visit Raymond James Stadium. Fans can watch Sunday's game on September 27 at 4:05 PM EDT on FOX.
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