In a dramatic start to the NFL season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was forced to leave the field after sustaining a concussion during a scramble in the first quarter of the team’s opening game against the Green Bay Packers. The former Arizona Cardinals signal‑caller took a hard hit to the side of his head, causing his helmet to come off as he slid short of the first‑down marker with 6:10 remaining in the opening quarter.
Injury details and immediate response
Murray remained on the turf while medical personnel attended to him. He eventually rose on his own and walked to the locker room without assistance. Packers safety Javon Bullard was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness on the play. The Vikings announced in the second quarter that Murray had been ruled out for the rest of the game and would be evaluated day by day in the coming week, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Carson Wentz leads Vikings to victory
Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz replaced Murray and threw three touchdown passes, helping Minnesota score 29 unanswered points and secure a 39-22 upset over the Packers. The win highlighted the recent decision by the Vikings to name Wentz the No. 2 quarterback behind first‑round pick JJ McCarthy.
Other injury updates from Week 1
Several other notable injuries were reported across the league:
- Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens) posted a career‑high 150 receiving yards in the first half at Indianapolis before exiting with a hamstring injury; he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
- Ravens rookie Ja’Kobi Lane left with a wrist injury, and cornerback T.J. Tampa suffered a knee injury in the first quarter.
- New York Jets lost rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to injuries in their 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. Cooper sustained a high‑ankle sprain, while Fitzpatrick dealt with a strained left groin.
- Atlanta Falcons saw right guard Chris Lindstrom suffer a concussion and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand sustain a knee injury during a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Washington Commanders had tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring), linebacker Frankie Luvu (groin) and safety Tyler Owens (ankle) exit the 24-22 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Los Angeles Chargers lost wide receivers Ladd McConkey (chest) and KeAndre Lambert‑Smith (hamstring) along with cornerback Elijah Molden (hamstring) in a 26-14 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.
- Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson suffered a knee injury in the first half of a 34-10 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Looking ahead
The Vikings will assess Murray’s condition in the days ahead, with O’Connell indicating a day‑by‑day evaluation. If Murray’s recovery proceeds as hoped, he could return to action soon, giving Minnesota a potent dual‑quarterback option as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the league’s injury list continues to grow, underscoring the physical toll of the sport and the importance of player safety protocols.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
