The Minnesota Vikings have seen progress from Kyler Murray this week.
They still do not have a definitive answer on whether he will play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Murray remained a limited participant Thursday for the second consecutive practice as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Minnesota has not yet assigned him a final Week 2 game designation, and he must still complete the league’s required return-to-play steps before he can be cleared.
What Happened to Kyler Murray?
Murray suffered the concussion during the first quarter of Minnesota’s 39-22 victory over Green Bay.
He scrambled toward the first-down marker and began sliding before taking significant contact from Packers defenders Lukas Van Ness and Javon Bullard. Murray’s helmet came off during the collision, and he remained on the field while trainers evaluated him before eventually walking to the locker room under his own power. Bullard was penalized for unnecessary roughness.
Murray was subsequently ruled out.
His Vikings debut therefore ended after only a handful of possessions.
Is Kyler Murray Playing Week 2?
Right now, the answer remains undetermined.
Murray practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and again Thursday. That represents meaningful progress, but practice participation alone does not clear a player from concussion protocol.
Minnesota’s final injury report is expected Friday.
Until Murray receives full medical clearance, the Vikings have to prepare as though Carson Wentz could start against Chicago.
That has been the expectation throughout the week.
Carson Wentz Gives Minnesota a Comfortable Backup Plan
The Vikings learned quickly in Week 1 that Wentz can keep the offense functioning.
Minnesota trailed Green Bay 22-10 late in the third quarter before scoring 29 unanswered points. Wentz finished 12-of-19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns after replacing Murray.
Two of those touchdown passes went to Justin Jefferson, while T.J. Hockenson caught another.
That performance does not create a quarterback controversy.
Murray remains Minnesota’s starter when healthy.
But Wentz’s experience allows the Vikings to be patient rather than rushing Murray back simply because a divisional game is next on the schedule.
If Wentz starts Sunday, it would be the 100th start of his NFL career.
Minnesota Has Another Major Offensive Injury
The Vikings will definitely be without Jordan Mason.
Minnesota placed Mason on injured reserve after surgery to repair a fractured right thumb. He must miss at least four games.
Mason rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay.
Without him, Minnesota has added veteran DeeJay Dallas to the active roster and signed Jerome Ford to the practice squad. They join Aaron Jones Sr. and rookie Demond Claiborne in the backfield.
That potentially places even more emphasis on quarterback stability against Chicago.
Other Vikings Injuries to Monitor
Murray is not Minnesota’s only significant name on the report.
Starting right tackle Brian O’Neill was downgraded from limited Wednesday to a non-participant Thursday because of a knee injury.
Andrew Van Ginkel remained limited with a chest injury, while Blake Cashman improved from limited to full participation with a wrist issue. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed both practices for a personal reason.
O’Neill’s status could be especially important if Wentz starts.
A backup quarterback operating behind a compromised offensive line creates a very different challenge than simply replacing Murray.
Chicago Has Injury Questions Too
The Bears have several players being monitored ahead of the divisional matchup.
Running back D’Andre Swift has been limited with ankle and knee issues, while Kyle Monangai has been limited with a hamstring injury.
Offensive tackle Darnell Wright improved from not practicing Wednesday to limited participation Thursday.
Chicago nevertheless enters the matchup with significant momentum after scoring an NFL Week 1 record 59 points against Carolina. Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, while Swift rushed for 124 yards and three scores.
Minnesota’s quarterback decision therefore comes against an opponent that showed immediately how quickly it can turn a game into a scoring race.
The important development is that Murray is practicing.
That means his recovery is moving forward.
But concussion protocol is intentionally not governed by whether a player believes he feels good enough to play. Murray has to complete the required medical progression and receive clearance before Minnesota can put him back on the field.
The Vikings have very little reason to force the issue.
Wentz already demonstrated that he can operate Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Minnesota won its opener.
And this is Week 2 of a 17-game season.
If Murray clears protocol Friday or Saturday, the Vikings can reassess.
If he does not, Wentz starts and Minnesota gives its quarterback another week to recover.
That is not hesitation.
It is exactly why the Vikings kept an experienced backup.
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