Kyler Murray

The J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota has officially come to a close, with the former first-rounder heading to the New York Giants to provide insurance behind 2026 starter Jameis Winston. McCarthy’s tenure with the Vikings fell well short of expectations, concluding after just 10 career starts, a mediocre 6.7 yards per attempt, a 57.6% completion rate, and an underwhelming 11-to-12 touchdown to interception ratio. Content to turn the page, the Vikings are moving forward with a quarterback room featuring Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, and practice squad member Max Brosmer.

Meanwhile, McCarthy’s arrival in New York injects much-needed depth into a quarterback room reeling from Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. He is expected to slot in directly behind Jameis Winston, likely leapfrogging the recently promoted practice squad member Jake Haener. There is also a family connection worth noting, as McCarthy spent his college career playing under Jim Harbaugh, brother of current Giants head coach John Harbaugh, which may give the staff some extra insight on how best to unlock his potential.

Jefferson left the game after getting rolled up on a first-quarter pass. He appeared to try to test it out on the sideline after getting taped up, but was eventually escorted to the locker room before ultimately getting ruled out. After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell implied the injury wasn’t too serious, even saying Jefferson “got close a couple times” to returning to the game, before ultimately being ruled out.

In his absence, Jordan Addison stepped up as the focal point of the passing game, hauling in a 41-yard touchdown in the second quarter, finishing with five catches for 9- yards on 9 targets, leading all other receivers. Aaron Jones (6 targets) and TJ Hockenson (4 targets) were next, on a day where Kyler Murray struggled without his number 1 WR, completing only 15/29 for 168 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Vikings QB Kyler Murray has cleared concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup Sunday vs. the Buccaneers. There was some speculation heading into Week 2’s game vs. the Bears that if Carson Wentz played a strong game after leading a furious comeback in relief of Murray in Week 1 that he might keep the job, but an underwhelming showing vs. the Bears ended any chance of that.

Kyler was off to a mixed start in Week 1 prior to the concussion: his first pass was intercepted and he was just 3-for-5 with 18 yards but did have 2 rushes for 9 yards. Murray’s rushing is what has made him such an effective fantasy football QB while healthy, having 4-top 10 seasons, including a top 3 finish in 2020. Murray will hope to get back to that Pro Bowl form beginning in Week 3’s matchup vs. the Buccaneers.

Vikings starting QB Kyler Murray will miss Week 2 due to the concussion he sustained late in the first quarter against the Packers in Week 1.  Backup QB Carson Wentz, who completed 12 of 19 for 133 yards and 3 TDs, will get the start instead.  It is confirmed that 2nd year QB J.J. McCarthy will serve as Wentz’s backup.

Wentz rallied the team from a 29 point deficit to a stunning victory, while earning the praise of both teammates and HC Kevin O’ Connell.  Wentz was sharp, decisive, and efficient after stepping in for Murray, and this poses an interesting situation for fantasy football gamers to monitor, as wily Wentz played well enough for HC Kevin O’ Connell to consider Wentz the starting QB going forward.  Wentz is currently PlayerProfiler’s QB 24 heading into Week 2 and rising. ~Jason Diaz

Vikings QB Kyler Murray left the Week 1 contest in the first quarter after suffering a concussion vs. the Packers in his Vikings debut. Murray was quickly ruled out of the game as Carson Wentz took over and filled in admirably, throwing 3 TD’s in a victory over the Packers.

Murray now enters the NFL’s concussion protocol, a five-step, phased progression, culminating with full clearance by an independent neurologist. Hopes were high for Murray to regain his Pro Bowl form he showed in his days with the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy football managers will have to keep an eye on how Murray progresses through concussion protocol over the next week. Justin Jefferson owners shouldn’t worry, as he still put up 31.2 PPR points this week with Wentz filling in.