Kyler Murray’s highly anticipated Minnesota Vikings debut quickly turned into a nightmare on Sunday. The 29-year-old quarterback threw an interception on his opening pass before being forced out of the game after taking a frightening blow to the head against the Green Bay Packers. The game marked Murray’s first appearance since ending his seven-year run with the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray was scrambling for a two-yard gain when he took the heavy helmet-level hit while going to the ground. The collision drew a flag for unnecessary roughness against Packers safety Javon Bullard, bringing an early end to what was supposed to be a fresh start for Murray with the Vikings.
Kyler Murray Leaves Vikings Debut After Frightening Helmet Hit
Kyler Murray’s much-anticipated debut for the Minnesota Vikings quickly went off the rails Sunday as the quarterback endured a nightmare opening quarter against the Green Bay Packers. After throwing an interception on his very first pass, Murray was forced to leave the game following a frightening hit to his head. The game marked his first appearance since the end of his seven-year stint with the Arizona Cardinals.
How do you not eject number 7 here?
Just no excuse for a hit like that to Kyler Murray in a game. Coward hit. pic.twitter.com/i1lYwuumfk
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) September 13, 2026
The injury occurred with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter. Murray scrambled on a third-and-7 play while attempting to pick up the first down, but he was caught between Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and safety Javon Bullard. Murray’s helmet came off during the collision before Bullard delivered a heavy blow, resulting in a 15-yard personal foul for the helmet-to-helmet contact.
Murray remained on the ground for some time after the collision, with his hands appearing clenched as he dealt with the impact. He was eventually able to walk to the locker room under his own power, but the Vikings ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a concussion. Carson Wentz stepped in at quarterback, while Murray’s availability for Minnesota’s Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears remains uncertain as he will have to clear concussion protocol.
Kyler Murray Struggles in Vikings Debut Before Scary Injury Against Packers
The difficult afternoon had started even before the injury. On his opening possession, Murray came under immediate pressure and attempted to find Jauan Jennings downfield, but the pass sailed high into double coverage and was comfortably intercepted by Keisean Nixon. The turnover came against a familiar face, with former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon now serving as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Gannon’s defense had blitzed Murray on his first dropback, setting the tone for a rough beginning.
Murray joined the Vikings on a one-year deal after being released by Arizona, where he had spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 draft. The former Pro Bowler eventually beat J.J. McCarthy for Minnesota’s starting job, but his debut was cut short after he completed just 3 of 5 passes for 18 yards and an interception, along with two carries for nine yards. Despite losing their starting quarterback, the Vikings rallied behind Wentz and overcame a 9-0 deficit to beat Green Bay 39-22.
Following the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said he had seen Murray and believed he was doing well, although he did not provide a specific timeline for his return. O’Connell said Murray was “conscious and talking” after the incident and appeared to be in good spirits. For now, however, the Vikings will have to wait for further updates before knowing whether their new starting quarterback will be available next week.
