The Minnesota Vikings opened up the 2026 season at home against the arch-rival Green Bay Packers with a new starter in Kyler Murray. Unfortunately, a brutal hit that Murray suffered early seems to have ended the strong vibes.
Murray got off to a bit of a rough start to his Vikings tenure, throwing an interception on his first pass. But he got into a bit of a groove as the first quarter progressed, completing several passes and getting in a few good runs.
Then the horror happened. Murray tried to scramble for a first down by escaping the pocket but was tackled to the ground by two Packers defenders, both of whom struck him in the helmet.
The hit looked brutal and Murray was left laying on the ground for several minutes, during which the entire U.S. Bank Stadium went quiet.
Fortunately, Murray was able to walk off the field on his own before going to the locker room for an evaluation. Carson Wentz took over under center.
Praying for Murray
Fans on social media offered their thoughts and prayers to Murray after the brutal-looking hit.
“Kyler Murray is done. Oh man that looked horrible,” one user wrote.
“Holy (expletive) Kyler Murray just got knocked out,” wrote another.
“Prayers for Kyler Murray,” a third prayed.
Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
“Praying for Kyler Murray. You never want to see anyone take a hit like that.”
“Oh no, Kyler Murray…. Helmet right to his head. He looked out cold instantly.”
The early indication is that it’s a concussion, which doesn’t bode well for his short-term future.
As for the rest of the team, the Vikings are in a dogfight with the Packers.
