A former NFL team physician delivered some of the first encouraging medical news for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray on Tuesday, saying the visible scare of his Week 1 concussion does not automatically mean a long absence.
David Chao, who served 17 years as head team doctor for the San Diego Chargers, reviewed the play and told viewers it is medically possible Murray could be cleared for Sunday’s game at the Chicago Bears.
“Look, it is never good news to get a concussion. But good news No. 1 — this is his first concussion, so there isn’t multiple for him,” Chao said.
“The second piece of good news is as scary as the posturing looks, that is not necessarily associated with a quote ‘worse concussion.’ It is not necessarily associated with longterm or permanent damage.”
Chao continued with the assessment that has given Vikings fans a sliver of hope this week.
“As a matter of fact, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re out any longer,” Chao said. “I’m not trying to belittle the head injury. I’m just saying, medically speaking, it is not out of the question for Kyler Murray to be cleared next week.”
Murray left the Vikings’ 39-22 win over Green Bay after a first-quarter scramble. Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and safety Javon Bullard both made contact near his head as he slid. His helmet came off and he briefly showed the fencing posture that often accompanies a concussion.
Trainers helped him off the field. He later walked into the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game. It was his first regular-season snap with Minnesota after signing a one-year deal in the offseason.
Coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game that Murray appeared to be doing reasonably well.
“Take it day by day and see how he comes in tomorrow,” O’Connell said. “I did just see him and he seemed to be doing pretty well.”
Murray reported to the team facility Monday feeling better and sat in on meetings and film work without his symptoms worsening, according to the coach. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that the Vikings have not ruled him out for Chicago.
“Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings head coach, saying that Murray came into work on Monday feeling better. But it’s the protocol, you can’t really predict it, so we gotta see how this goes,” Garafolo said. “If not, Carson Wentz once again. Wentz played extremely well. How about the Carson Wentz career arc? Let’s see if he winds up being the guy. We’ll keep that updated throughout the week.”
The NFL concussion protocol has five phases. A player can only advance if symptoms stay stable. There is no fixed calendar. An independent neurological consultant must also sign off before a player returns to a game.
Sports Med Analytics researcher Deepak Chona noted the typical timeline for a first concussion sits around eight days. About one-third of players return without missing a game, but the most common path is sitting the following week and playing the week after that.
A review of 2025 skill-position concussions found quarterbacks averaged 1.5 games missed, longer than running backs or receivers. Only 22 percent of those players suited up the very next week, and none of them were quarterbacks.
Carson Wentz stepped in Sunday and completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His passer rating was 123.5. Two of the scores went to Justin Jefferson. If Murray cannot play Sunday, Wentz would make his 100th career start.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson called the scene difficult to watch.
“For our starting quarterback to go down that early in that way, it was definitely very tough to see,” Jefferson said.
Murray completed three of five passes for 18 yards and threw an interception on his first attempt before the injury. The Vikings offense looked out of rhythm on those early snaps.
Minnesota will not rush the process. Protocol comes first. If Murray clears it, the decision then belongs to O’Connell and the quarterback himself.
The Bears game is Sunday at Soldier Field. A Week 3 home date against Tampa Bay would be the more conventional return date if this concussion follows the usual pattern.
Chao’s comments have become the central talking point because they separate the frightening visual from the actual medical forecast. First-time concussions often resolve faster than repeat injuries, and the fencing response, while alarming, does not by itself predict a longer recovery.
Still, every concussion is different. The Vikings will keep evaluating Murray daily. Wentz is ready if needed. The starting job could shift if the veteran plays well again and Murray stays out.
For now the story remains the doctor’s cautious optimism and the league’s rigid protocol standing between Murray and a Week 2 start.
