Kyler Murray suffered a concussion after a brutal two-hit sequence knocked off his helmet in his Vikings debut against the Packers on Sunday.
Kyler Murray’s highly anticipated Minnesota Vikings debut ended in frightening fashion Sunday after the quarterback suffered a concussion following a brutal two-hit sequence against the Green Bay Packers.
Murray was scrambling during the first quarter when Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness delivered a forearm to the quarterback’s helmet. As Murray went down, safety Javon Bullard also made contact around the head and neck area, sending Murray’s helmet flying.
Murray remained on the turf as medical personnel rushed onto the field. He was eventually able to walk to the locker room under his own power, but the Vikings later ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
The quarterback was subsequently placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Kyler Murray shows involuntary fencing response
The hit drew particular attention because Murray appeared to display what is known as a fencing response immediately after the collision.
A fencing response is an involuntary posture that can occur following a significant blow to the head. It can cause one arm to extend rigidly while the other bends toward the body.
Murray’s brief reaction added to the concern surrounding the hit as players and medical personnel gathered around him.
Bullard was penalized for unnecessary roughness following the play.
Murray’s Vikings debut ends early
Murray’s first game in a Vikings uniform had already gotten off to a difficult start before the injury.
The quarterback threw an interception on his second play from scrimmage, marking his first pass as a Viking. His day ended before the first quarter was over after he completed three passes for 18 yards.
Murray had won Minnesota’s starting quarterback job during training camp after joining the Vikings in the offseason. The 29-year-old was expected to provide a fresh start for the team after his departure from the Arizona Cardinals.
His immediate status for Minnesota’s next game remains uncertain as he undergoes the league’s concussion evaluation process.
Carson Wentz leads Vikings comeback
With Murray sidelined, veteran quarterback Carson Wentz stepped into the game and helped Minnesota mount a remarkable comeback.
The Vikings erased a 22-10 deficit by scoring 29 unanswered points to defeat Green Bay 39-22 in the season opener. Wentz completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
Justin Jefferson also played a major role in the comeback, catching eight passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite Murray’s early exit, Minnesota finished the afternoon with a statement victory over its NFC North rival.
Vikings await Murray’s concussion evaluation
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game that Murray appeared to be doing well, but emphasized that medical professionals would determine the quarterback’s status.
Murray will remain in the NFL concussion protocol while he is evaluated by team and independent medical personnel. The process will determine when he can safely return to football activities and eventually play again.
For the Vikings, the immediate priority is Murray’s health rather than a timetable for his return.
The quarterback’s first game in Minnesota ultimately became a nightmarish debut, but the team’s comeback victory gives the Vikings an important opening-week win while they await further updates on their new starting quarterback.
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