Kyler Murray Cleared to Start at Tampa Bay as Vikings QB Returns

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Monday that Murray is out of concussion protocol and will start Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has completed the league's concussion protocol and retakes the starting job for Sunday's road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday. The 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff at Raymond James Stadium will mark Murray's second start for the franchise.

Murray's debut lasted just 11 snaps. On a first-quarter scramble, he slid and absorbed a hit from Green Bay's Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness, departing with what the record describes as the first concussion documented in his eight-year career. His brief stat line read 3-of-5 passing for 18 yards and one interception. Three limited practice sessions last week preceded a Friday ruling that he would sit out.

In Murray's absence, Carson Wentz piloted the Vikings to a pair of NFC North victories. He completed 12 of 19 throws for 133 yards and three scores in a 39-22 comeback over the Packers, then went 11-of-20 for 143 yards in a rainy 9-3 decision at Chicago. Wentz committed no turnovers in either outing, and the defense limited the Bears to one field goal at Soldier Field.

O'Connell said Murray benefitted from watching Wentz operate without forcing matters, protecting the ball and making sound decisions. The coach pointed to Murray's early interception as a mistake that compounded a blocking breakdown, and noted the offense has avoided any giveaway on every snap since that throw. He added that the unit is expected to take care of the football while continuing to develop.

Tampa Bay arrives at 0-2 following losses in Cincinnati and at home to Cleveland. The Buccaneers sit 24th in both points and third-down defense, 22nd against the pass, and fifth versus the run, numbers that point toward Murray throwing more often than the 20 passes Wentz attempted in the wet weather at Soldier Field.