League officials issued financial penalties following a physical divisional clash, targeting a late hit on a backup quarterback while clearing the controversial tackle that sidelined Minnesota’s starter.
The Green Bay Packers had a miserable start to the regular season in a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and two players wound up receiving fines from the league for their actions in Week 1.
It was unclear if the league would fine anyone from the Packers for the hit on Kyler Murray that took the Vikings quarterback out of the game.
In an interesting twist, Green Bay's Lukas Van Ness was fined, but for a hit on backup quarterback Carson Wentz, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Javon Bullard escaped with no fine.
"Two Packers were fined from the Week 1 game vs. Minnesota: Lukas Van Ness: $17,911 for a hit on the QB — but apparently not the one on Kyler Murray," Demovsky posted on X.
"According to the NFL, it was for a third-quarter hit on Carson Wentz. Evan Williams: $7,087 for a hit on a defenseless player. Javon Bullard, who was penalized on the play that took out Kyler Murray, was not fined."
When speaking to reporters on Monday, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters he didn't think the Packers did anything wrong on the hit that took out Murray and put the quarterback in the concussion protocol.
"No. It was a violent, physical play," O'Connell said, via Fox 9. "Obviously, from our standpoint, I don’t know where that’s coming from.
"I know the league took a look at it. As fast as those things happen, it would be one thing if there was a head-first slide and a clear declaration, but I don’t put any fault on anybody there."
The league did take a look and decided not to punish anyone on the Packers for making a tough football play.
Murray was ruled out for the Vikings' Week 2 contest at the Chicago Bears on Sunday as he recovers from the concussion. Wentz will get the start for Minnesota.
The Packers will travel to play the New York Jets on Sunday. Green Bay will enter the game on a six-game losing streak that began on Dec. 14 with a loss to the Denver Broncos.
