Kyler Murray has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is set to return as Minnesota’s starting quarterback when the unbeaten Vikings face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday that Murray is available after missing Minnesota’s 9-3 road victory over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings enter Sunday’s matchup at 2-0, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
Murray was limited in practice ahead of the Bears game but was ruled out Friday as he continued through the protocol. Carson Wentz started in his place at Soldier Field, completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards in difficult rainy conditions.
The concussion interrupted Murray’s Minnesota debut in the opening quarter of the Vikings’ Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers. Murray was injured after sliding on a play that ended with contact involving Packers defenders Javon Bullard and Lukas Van Ness.
Before leaving the 39-22 victory, Murray completed three of five passes for 18 yards and threw an interception. Wentz took over and helped Minnesota rally for the win.
Murray joined the Vikings this season following seven years with the Arizona Cardinals. The former No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft will now lead Minnesota against Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was taken first overall one year earlier in 2018.
