Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray participated in a limited practice on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as he moves through the NFL’s concussion protocol ahead of a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears. While the limited participation marks an important step in his recovery, Murray has not yet received full medical clearance to play in Sunday’s game at Soldier Field.
Kyler Murray’s Concussion Status and Practice Participation
According to the Minnesota Vikings official injury report, Murray took part in limited team activities on Wednesday. The 29-year-old quarterback sustained a concussion during the first quarter of Minnesota’s Week 1 win against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2026. The injury occurred at the end of a scramble when Green Bay defenders Lukas Van Ness and Javon Bullard made contact with Murray as he began to slide. Bullard received a penalty for unnecessary roughness on the play, which left Murray on the ground for several minutes before he walked off under his own power.
Murray must clear all remaining phases of the league-mandated concussion protocol, including final evaluation by an independent neurological consultant, before he can return to game action. If Murray cannot clear the protocol, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is the most likely option to start. Wentz stepped in during the opener to help the Vikings rally for a 39-22 victory.
Jordan Mason Placed on Injured Reserve With Thumb Fracture
While the Vikings await clarity on their starting quarterback, the backfield has suffered a significant loss. Running back Jordan Mason was placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2026, after medical imaging revealed a small fracture in his thumb. Mason sustained the injury during the victory over Green Bay, where he led the team with 15 carries for 59 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Mason has already undergone a procedure to repair the fracture. Under NFL injured reserve rules, Mason must miss a minimum of four games, sidelining him for contests against the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. With a bye week scheduled for Week 6, a return to the active roster could occur after this period.
Backfield Adjustments and Roster Depth
To offset the loss of Mason, the Vikings are shifting greater responsibilities to running back Aaron Jones. In addition to leaning on Jones, Minnesota transferred running back DeeJay Dallas to the active roster from the practice squad and added Jerome Ford to the practice squad, providing depth alongside rookie running back Demond Claiborne.
Matchup Preview Against the Chicago Bears
The Vikings travel to Soldier Field on Sunday to face the Chicago Bears. Final decisions regarding Murray’s availability and the active game-day roster depend on medical evaluations and training sessions leading up to the weekend.
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