Kyler Murray’s first start in purple and gold didn’t last long.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback was knocked out of the opener after taking a hard shoulder-to-helmet shot from Green Bay’s Javon Bullard while sliding for extra yardage. Murray had picked up two yards on the scramble before the hit sent his helmet flying and left him down on the turf, where teammates quickly signaled for the training staff.
On the play itself, Murray tried to protect himself by sliding, but Bullard still arrived with force and ended the day for Minnesota’s new starter. What first looked on the broadcast like a possible knee issue may have been something else entirely, as his hands may have been subject to a fencing response.
NFL RedZone’s Scott Hanson said Murray was evaluated for a concussion after leaving the game. ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that Murray was ruled out of the opener.
Once Murray headed to the locker room, Carson Wentz took over at quarterback for Minnesota. The veteran now sits behind Murray on the Vikings’ depth chart, with J.J. McCarthy listed third.
The NFL’s concussion protocol is triggered after a significant blow to the head, and a range of symptoms or observations can set it in motion. Those include signs of a concussion or stinger, or an initiation from a trainer, spotter, team doctor, official, coach, teammate, or unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant.
Players are first evaluated on the sideline, and if they show loss of consciousness, ataxia, confusion, or amnesia, they cannot return. If they pass that stage, they’re taken to the locker room for further testing with the NFL Sport Concussion Assessment Tool and a neurological exam.
If those results are abnormal, the player is done for the game.
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Kyler Murrays Vikings Debut Just Took A Frightening Turn
Kyler Murrays first appearance in a Vikings uniform took a harsh turn before it could really settle into a rhythm. The quarterback was struck helmet-to-helmet by Packers safety Javon Bullard, a hit that drew an unnecessary roughness penalty and quickly changed the feel of the game for Minnesota, especially with Murray then forced to leave and backup Carson Wentz stepping in.
For a team still trying to build any momentum around its new quarterback, the sight of Murray heading to the sideline was the biggest storyline of the day. Medical expert David J. Chao said the footage showed neurological signs consistent with a concussion, leaving the Vikings to sort through a debut that was supposed to answer questions and instead raised a much more unsettling one. [Read more 🡒]
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Wentz responded by helping turn a difficult start into a 39-22 comeback win in Green Bay, settling in quickly and finding Justin Jefferson for multiple scores. He finished 12 of 19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns, a performance that did more than steady the Vikings for one afternoon. It also gave Minnesota a backup situation that now looks a lot more consequential than it did when camp ended. [Read more 🡒]