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Vikings' O'Connell speaks on Murray's status after QB suffers concussion
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell speaks on Kyler Murray's status after QB suffers concussion in Week 1 against Packers

By Clark Dalton  |  Last updated Sep 14, 2026 4:22 PM ET
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A Monday report shared the Minnesota Vikings received a "good sign" on starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Head coach Kevin O'Connell subsequently provided more reason for optimism.

O'Connell told the media that Murray remains in concussion protocol after taking a scary hit in the first quarter of Minnesota's 39-22 Week 1 home loss to the Green Bay Packers. The coach added the QB is healthy enough to participate in meetings, but he'll "defer to the medical team" before making a final decision on his status for a Week 2 road tilt against the Chicago Bears (Fox, 1 p.m. ET). 

What should Vikings fans make of Kevin O'Connell's update?

O'Connell's update is far from a confirmation that Murray will play in Week 2, but his participation in meetings signals the Vikings are preparing for that possibility. 

Murray returning to practice is the next big step. He can do so after clearing all five phases of concussion protocol, which includes a clean bill of health from an independent neurologist.  

If Murray is out for Week 2, the Vikings will roll with backup QB Carson Wentz, whom they trust after he helped erase a 22-10 deficit against Green Bay. After replacing Murray, Wentz, a former Philadelphia Eagles star, went 12-of-19 passing for 133 yards and three touchdowns, including a 39-yarder to wide receiver Justin Jefferson with 1:55 left in the second quarter.

But can Wentz and the Vikings keep up with the Bears' high-octane offense in Week 2? 

Before the season, Chicago second-year HC Ben Johnson said he wants his team to break the record for points scored in a season, held by the 2013 Denver Broncos (606 points in 16 regular-season games). It looked more than capable of doing so in Week 1.

Led by third-year QB Caleb Williams, who had four TDs (two passing, two rushing), the Bears dismantled the Carolina Panthers, 59-37. They set a franchise record for points scored in Week 1. 

The Vikings may not crater with Wentz starting, but they'd be better off with Murray. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year provides more speed, which Minnesota will need in a fast-paced NFC North matchup against Chicago. 

Clark Dalton
X Muck Rack

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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