Fresh off concussion protocol, the dual-threat playmaker returns to spark Minnesota’s offense against Todd Bowles’ defense while renewing a high-stakes rivalry with former college teammate Baker Mayfield.
Kyler Murray is back. The Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback is set to return from concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in a Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers, 39-22.
Backup quarterback Carson Wentz helped lead the Vikings to a win in Week 2 over the Bears, but his greatest contribution may have been protecting the football. The Vikings beat the Bears, 9-3.
Murray's return signals more offensive explosion could be on the way. In addition, he faces a familiar foe in the weekend's matchup.
River Wells of On SI discussed the matchup in detail. Here's what Wells shared on Murray's return to the field against the Buccaneers.
"Now, Murray is set to make his return. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed on Monday that Murray has cleared concussion protocol this week and will start against the Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium next Sunday for Week 3. ...
The Bucs have only played Murray one time during his NFL career so far. It's still worth noting, though, because current head coach Todd Bowles was still calling plays whenever the Bucs played him.
Murray was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 with the first overall pick, and he played the Buccaneers that year. He threw 324 yards and 3 TDs with a 61% completion percentage, but he and the Cardinals came up short 30-27. He was injured when the two teams played in 2022 and he did not play last year when the Bucs defeated the Cardinals in 2025.
Murray will once again see his former teammate at Oklahoma, Baker Mayfield, whom he sat behind in college. Murray and Mayfield have faced off three times over the course of their careers, with Murray winning all three matchups."
Dec 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (left) exchanges jerseys with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray following the game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Murray and Mayfield have faced each other more than once before in the National Football League. However, this matchup is significant because of where both players have settled into their current spots.
Mayfield leads a Buccaneers team that could not only make the postseason but challenge for a postseason run when they get there. Murray is now handed back the keys to a 2-0, first place Vikings team whose defense can keep them in every game, if not win the game outright.
This weekend's game could be must-see. Murray will hope to channel some of his past offensive success against the Bucs with a win when the two teams take the field.
