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Kyler Murray Cleared to Start for Vikings vs. Buccaneers

The clearance ends the brief quarterback question, sending J.J. McCarthy back to an emergency inactive role.

Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)

Overview

  • Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Monday that Murray has cleared the NFL concussion protocol and will resume as the Vikings’ starter for the Week 3 game at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 27.
  • Murray suffered the concussion in the Week 1 game after taking a hard helmet hit while sliding, a play that drew an unnecessary roughness flag against Javon Bullard.
  • Carson Wentz replaced Murray in Week 1, led a comeback, and started the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears as Minnesota opened the season 2-0.
  • Murray advanced through the protocol by logging consecutive limited practices before clearance, a stepwise medical process required by the league to confirm symptom resolution.
  • With Murray back, the coaching staff must set a game plan that balances his mobility with extra protection to limit head contact and the team’s short-term roster decisions will hinge on how the offense uses him.