O'Connell Confirms Murray Returns Week 3, Credits Wentz and Unsung Heroes from Bears Win

Kyler Murray has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will start for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 against Tampa Bay, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell told Twin Cities media members Monday, according to Vikings.com.

Murray's return follows a two-week stretch in which backup Carson Wentz took over after Murray was injured early in Week 1. O'Connell praised Wentz's turnover-free command of the offense during that span, pointing to a throw to tight end T.J. Hockenson during a late-game, four-minute drive and a third-down conversion to receiver Jordan Addison against a blitz as examples of Wentz's steady decision-making.

O'Connell also used Monday's session to highlight contributors from Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Long snapper Andrew DePaola drew specific praise for his role in a blocked field goal, joining kicker Will Reichard and punter Brett Thorson as players O'Connell credited for special-teams execution. Right tackle Brian O'Neill's physicality despite a limited practice week and Addison's run-blocking in place of an injured Jauan Jennings were also noted.

Rookie defensive lineman Caleb Banks played 36 defensive snaps against the Bears, 20 more than his Week 1 debut, after Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins left the game with a hip injury. O'Connell said Banks' pad level is improving and pointed to his ability to shed blocks as a developing strength.

On the run game, O'Connell offered a mixed assessment. He said the Vikings have been efficient but have left explosive plays on the field through two games, adding that a handful of chunk gains — in either the run or pass game — could open up the offense further. He said he remains committed to the running game as a way to manage down-and-distance situations.

O'Connell closed by describing his weekly meetings with Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores as central to building both the defensive framework and his own offensive game plan, citing the value of staying connected across the team's three phases.

Source: Vikings.com