Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray remained limited in practice Thursday as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol, matching his participation level from Wednesday.
Murray suffered the concussion in the first quarter of Sunday’s 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers. He lasted 11 offensive snaps, completing 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards with one interception and adding two carries for nine yards before leaving the game.
Carson Wentz replaced him and finished 12 of 19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns, helping Minnesota erase a late deficit.
The Vikings travel to Chicago to face the Bears on Sunday. Murray must receive clearance from an independent neurologist after completing the league’s five-phase return-to-participation protocol before he can play.
Coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday the team prefers to settle the starting decision by Friday.
“We’re just going day by day right now,” O’Connell said. “He’s got to be medically cleared before we even have the conversation about playing in a game.”
Limited work for a quarterback is common even when healthy because signal-callers typically wear red non-contact jerseys during the week. Murray’s two limited sessions show he has advanced at least to the non-contact football activity stage of the protocol.
Right tackle Brian O’Neill (knee) did not practice Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (personal) also sat out for a second consecutive day. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (chest) was limited again while Blake Cashman (wrist) practiced fully.
Running back Jordan Mason was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return after a small fracture in his thumb required a minor procedure. Mason rushed 15 times for 59 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay.
Murray joined the Vikings on a one-year, $1.3 million contract in March after seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019. He missed 12 games in 2025 with a foot injury.
The Bears defense allowed multiple scores in Week 1. Minnesota’s offense under O’Connell emphasizes timing throws and designed quarterback runs, elements Murray has used throughout his career.
Friday’s practice and the final injury report will determine whether Murray or Wentz starts. Wentz has previous starting experience with several teams and ran the offense efficiently after Murray’s exit.
The Vikings opened 1-0 in the NFC North. Their next opponent, Chicago, also sits at 1-0 after its season-opening result.
Murray’s status remains day-to-day pending medical evaluation. The team has not ruled him out.
