The Minnesota Vikings made a thrilling comeback on Sunday to defeat the Green Bay Packers, 39-22, but the win also featured an unfortunate early injury to their starting quarterback, Kyler Murray. Murray's injury happened in the game's first quarter on a third-down play when he took off scrambling to gain yards. In what appeared to be an attempt to slide, he took a brutal hit from two Packers defenders, including safety Javon Bullard, as their helmets collided with Murray in a frightening scene.
The Vikings quarterback stayed down on the field while team staff checked on him. He eventually left the game and was seen walking off on his own. Green Bay's Bullard received an unnecessary roughness penalty for the hit.
Murray was evaluated for a concussion and ruled out for the remainder of the game. In a postgame interview on CBS, Murray's teammate, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, had a heartfelt message about his quarterback after seeing him leave the game. More news: Richard Sherman Points Finger at Rams DC After 20-Point Blowout Loss vs 49ers "Well, first and foremost, you know, definitely, thinking about Kyler, and definitely, just prayers out to him," Jefferson told CBS's Tracy Wolfson.
"You know, definitely don't wanna see one of our brothers go down with that type of injury, but it was good to see him walk off the field and talking and still be with us," he said. Jefferson finished the game with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns in his team's season-opening win. He called Sunday's performance "a great start" and "a long time coming" after scoring only two touchdowns last season.
His teammate, Murray, finished the game after completing 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards and an interception. The Vikings signed Murray this offseason to address last season's quarterback issues, and seeing him leave the game early as he did was certainly not what anyone wanted to see. After the game, an update indicated that Murray is currently "questionable" after his Week 1 injury against the Packers.
The Vikings would need him to clear concussion protocol to play in their next game, when they visit the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 20. If Murray is unable to go against the Bears, they'll rely on veteran backup Carson Wentz once again as their quarterback. More news: 49ers Get Crushing Injury News on Top Offensive Star After Rams Opener For more about the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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