NFL

Kyler Murray cleared to start for Vikings against Buccaneers

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 22, 2026, 00:42 IST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has been cleared from concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup for Sunday's road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed.

Kyler Murray cleared to start for Vikings against Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is set to return to the field this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed on Monday that the signal-caller has officially cleared the league's concussion protocol, clearing the way for him to reclaim his starting role.

Murray’s return comes after he was sidelined early in his debut for the Vikings. The quarterback suffered the concussion during the 11th play of the team's Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the early exit, his recovery progressed steadily, with O'Connell noting that his symptoms remained minor enough to allow for a return to practice.

Carson Wentz steps in during recovery

In Murray’s absence, backup quarterback Carson Wentz capably managed the offense. Wentz stepped in to guide the team through the remainder of the Week 1 contest and led the squad in their subsequent outing. Over his appearances, Wentz completed 23 of 39 pass attempts for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Crucially, he maintained ball security throughout his time on the field, finishing his stint without committing a single turnover.

Wentz’s performance was particularly vital in the team's most recent 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears. During the fourth quarter of that game, he executed two key throws that allowed the Vikings to drain the clock and protect a narrow one-score lead, securing the win.

Vikings maintain perfect start

The Vikings currently sit at 2-0, establishing themselves as the only undefeated team in the NFC North. With Murray back under center, the team will look to maintain their momentum as they travel to Tampa Bay this weekend. The transition back to Murray marks a significant development for the Vikings as they aim to extend their winning streak in the early stages of the season.