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MINNEAPOLIS – The Vikings made it just three drives into the 2026 season before losing their starting quarterback.
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Kyler Murray left the game to be evaluated for a concussion after being hit by Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard as he slid on a third-down scramble with 6:16 left in the first quarter and the Vikings trailing 3-0. Murray will not return, the Vikings announced.
Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness first made contact with Murray’s helmet before Bullard hit him in the neck and shoulder area. Vikings offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill quickly waved for the team’s medical staff after checking on Murray, whose helmet came off at the end of the play. Coach Kevin O’Connell came out to check on Murray, and had some words for an official as he left the field.
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Murray was 3 for 5 for 18 yards and an interception when he left the game, having thrown a pick to Keisean Nixon on his first pass while dealing with pressure in his face from Zaire Franklin. The linebacker came through unblocked between center Blake Brandel and right guard Will Fries, who fell down on the play after initially turning to the outside of the formation. Murray threw into double coverage for Jauan Jennings, and Nixon intercepted the pass.
Carson Wentz replaced Murray at quarterback, having been named the Vikings’ No. 2 quarterback over J.J. McCarthy this week. McCarthy is inactive as the Vikings’ emergency third quarterback today, but could be one snap away from playing if Murray stays out and Wentz gets injured.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 2:57 PM.