RADIO
Vikings' Scheme Shift Could Benefit Kyler Murray
After the Minnesota Vikings finally created some offensive momentum, quarterback Kyler Murray is a fringe QB1 when Minnesota takes on the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Vikings adapted last week, running more than 50 shotgun snaps -- their most since they hired Kevin O'Connell as head coach in 2022 -- and the changes clicked, as Murray completed 13 of his final 14 passes and established a rapport with tight end T.J. Hockenson. Additionally, top receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) said that he aims to return against the Saints. The bigger issue this week could be protection. Left guard Donovan Jackson (knee) is out for the season, left tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion) was ruled out, and right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) is questionable. The Saints, however, have been struggling, allowing points on half of opponents' possessions and ranking 30th against the run, which gives Murray an opening for his first big rushing game of the year. As RotoBaller's QB12 this week, Murray is a starting option in most formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rebound Potential For Kyler Murray Against Dolphins
After a mostly lackluster first full game with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Kyler Murray faces an excellent matchup against the struggling Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The former Arizona Cardinal looked jittery and didn't provide much of an immediate upgrade to a Minnesota passing game that has thrown for fewer yards than any other team, but he'll step into friendlier circumstances against the Dolphins this week. Miami is 30th in the NFL in pressure percentage, still doesn't have a sack this season, and has allowed points on 50% of their opponents' possessions. Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is out again after missing the majority of last week's game, but the matchup is good enough that Murray is worth considering in most formats against the Dolphins. He's RotoBaller's QB13 for Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyler Murray Hasn't Proven to Have Much Fantasy Value Yet
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) returned to action in Week 3 and completed 15 out of 29 passes (51.7%) for 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 23-16 win over the Buccaneers. He added 17 rushing yards on two carries. He has totaled just 10 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues thus far, according to RotoBaller. Murray suffered a concussion in the first quarter of a Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers and was forced to sit out a Week 2 win against the Chicago Bears. Murray might have an easier time against a Miami Dolphins defense in Week 4 that is allowing 231 passing yards per game (20th in the NFL) and 9.1 yards per attempt (worst in the league), but coming off of an injury and putting up pedestrian numbers, Murray is hard to start right now. Murray's top wide receiver, Justin Jefferson (ankle), is also nursing an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Murray is RotoBaller's No. 13 quarterback for Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giants Acquiring J.J. McCarthy From the Vikings
The New York Giants are acquiring quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade on Monday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reports that the Giants are sending the Vikings a 2027 fifth-round pick, per sources. With Jaxson Dart (knee) out for the season for the Giants, the team will add another young quarterback, and McCarthy will get a fresh start with a new organization. The Vikings took McCarthy with the 10th overall pick from Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old did not play at all as a rookie due to a knee injury that required surgery. In his first NFL season in 2025, McCarthy struggled with accuracy, decision-making, and injuries, starting only 10 games and completing 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He lost the starting QB competition to Kyler Murray in training camp this summer and then dropped to third on the depth chart behind veteran Carson Wentz. McCarthy will head to New York to learn a new offense and hopefully see some playing time over veteran Jameis Winston eventually, but that might not happen right away. In the long term, Dart is still the franchise signal-caller for the G-Men.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Kyler Murray In Starting Range For Return To Lineup
Back from injury, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray returns to the lineup with an immediately favorable matchup in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The first-year Viking hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in Week 1, presenting the chance that the Minnesota passing game could be off schedule as he reacclimates, but his next opponent has been friendly to quarterbacks so far this season. Despite blitzing at the third-highest rate in the NFL, the Bucs currently rank 28th in pressure percentage. They've also allowed points on more than half of their opponents' possessions, missed 18 tackles, and allowed a completion percentage over 75% through two games. Historically, the Vikings have not fared well in Tampa -- Minnesota is 1-7 there since 1998 -- but the current state of the Bucs offers Murray an opportunity for a productive return to the lineup. He's RotoBaller's No. 11 quarterback for Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyler Murray Clears Concussion Protocol, Will Return in Week 3
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup for the team's Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, sources told Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Murray suffered a scary concussion in the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers early in the first quarter and was quickly ruled out, but he was in good spirits after that game and returned to practice last week before ultimately being ruled out for the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. Veteran Carson Wentz did a commendable job in helping the Vikings start the year 2-0, but now that Murray has been cleared, he will return to the starting role, making him worth a waiver-wire pickup in two-QB fantasy leagues. The 29-year-old former first overall pick back in 2019 showed good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in training camp this summer and has a great opportunity to bounce back in 2026 going forward if he can stay on the field.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Kyler Murray a Player to Check for on Waiver Wires
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) has played only 11 total snaps for his new team after being knocked out of the season opener with a concussion, but with NFL Insider Adam Schefter reporting on Sunday that he is on track for a Week 3 return, the veteran signal caller is worth checking for on waiver wires. With a lack of early-season bye weeks allowing for more roster flexibility, it's unlikely Murray was dropped in many leagues where he was drafted, but with the Vikings facing a Buccaneers team that just surrendered a QB12 finish to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, Murray makes for a high-upside start and should be targeted wherever he was allowed to hit waivers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carson Wentz Unremarkable As Bad Weather Impacts Game
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz went into game-manager mode during terrible weather conditions on Sunday in Chicago, completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards without a touchdown or a turnover in his team's 9-3 win. The veteran backup made a pair of key throws for first downs on Minnesota's last drive, though the Vikings favored the run on a day when neither side scored a touchdown. It was an underwhelming set of circumstances for fantasy managers who started Wentz this week, but he ultimately helped the Vikings win a second straight game to start the season. He's likely headed back to the sideline, as starter Kyler Murray (concussion) is reportedly on track to be ready for Week 3 at Tampa Bay.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kyler Murray Expected to Return in Week 3
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) was ruled out for the Week 2 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend after suffering a scary concussion in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Murray is expected to clear the league's concussion protocol and is "on track" to play in a Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 27. Veteran Carson Wentz will make the start under center for Minnesota against Chicago after throwing three touchdowns and leading the Vikings to a come-from-behind victory over Green Bay last weekend. The Bears' defense nearly allowed 40 points to the Carolina Panthers in the season opener, so Wentz could be in play in deep two-QB leagues in Week 2. Murray, meanwhile, should be held anywhere he is rostered, as he still has a good chance of bouncing back in his first year with the Vikings if he can stay healthy moving forward.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Carson Wentz In Superflex Territory Against Bears
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is a playable option with a favorable matchup Sunday at Chicago now that Minnesota has ruled out starter Kyler Murray (concussion) from returning in Week 2. The veteran backup played well in relief last week against Green Bay, recovering from a few poor throws early to connect on three touchdowns as the Vikings rallied to beat Green Bay. Now, Wentz will face a Bears defense that ranks 29th in air yards allowed and surrendered 156 yards after the catch last week. The journeyman naturally comes with the risk of turnovers and the inability to avoid sacks that have plagued him most of his career, but he's still facing a shaky defense and throwing to a corps of pass catchers led by receiver Justin Jefferson. As one of RotoBaller's top 24 QB options this week, Wentz is startable in formats that play more than one quarterback.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carson Wentz to Start Against Bears in Week 2
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz will make his first start of the 2026 season in the Week 2 divisional clash on the road in Chicago against the Bears after head coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Friday that Kyler Murray (concussion) has been ruled out, according to Matthew Coller. The 33-year-old Wentz was forced into the Week 1 contest against the division-rival Green Bay Packers early after Murray suffered a scary concussion, and he proceeded to go 12-for-19 passing for 133 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the 39-22 victory. Wentz had a solid day and will now be in a position as a QB2 streamer in deep superflex leagues as the Vikings face off against a Bears defense that allowed nearly 40 points to the Carolina Panthers in the season opener last weekend. Former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who lost the starting competition to Murray in training camp, will back Wentz up this weekend. Unfortunately for those who picked up Wentz off waivers this week, Week 2 could be his only start if Murray returns in Week 3 and stays healthy after that.
Source: Matthew Coller
Source: Matthew Coller
Kyler Murray Ruled Out for Week 2
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) "felt good" but has been ruled out for the Week 2 game against the division-rival Chicago Bears, head coach Kevin O'Connell told Matthew Coller. Murray, who was limited in practice this week after suffering a scary concussion in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, is expected to clear the league's concussion protocol next week, which would put him on track to start in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 27. The 29-year-old has not gotten off to a great start in his first year in Minnesota after missing most of the 2025 campaign in his final year with the Arizona Cardinals due to a foot injury. O'Connell said earlier this week that Murray will remain the team's starter under center when he is cleared from his concussion, despite veteran Carson Wentz throwing three touchdowns and leading the Vikings to a come-from-behind win last weekend.
Source: Matthew Coller
Source: Matthew Coller
Kyler Murray Limited Again on Thursday
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) was listed as limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. Murray suffered a scary concussion early in his Vikings debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers and was placed in the league's concussion protocol. Veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz tossed three touchdown passes and led the Vikings to a comeback last weekend, and he will be in line to start in Week 2 against the division-rival Chicago Bears if Murray does not get the green light to return this weekend. The Vikings have not ruled Murray out yet, but the overwhelming belief is that he will miss at least one game due to his head injury. The former first-rounder came into the 2026 campaign as a popular bounce-back candidate in his new digs in Minnesota, but he is off to a bad start due to injury. The good news is that head coach Kevin O'Connell plans to stick with Murray as the team's starting QB once he is cleared.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Kyler Murray to be Limited on Wednesday
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Murray played only 11 snaps in his Vikings debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday before suffering a scary concussion in the first quarter. He was quickly ruled out and placed in the concussion protocol, putting his status up in the air for Week 2 this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Murray was in good spirits in the team's locker room after Sunday's game, and a limited first practice of the week is a good sign, but it does not guarantee that the former Arizona Cardinals QB will return this weekend. Veteran Carson Wentz did an admirable job leading Minnesota to a come-from-behind victory over the Packers while throwing three touchdowns, so O'Connell could be content to give him a start and let Murray rest up for another week. Murray will almost certainly need to upgrade to a full practice this week to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
Carson Wentz Likely to Start if Teammate Isn't Cleared
ESPN's Dan Graziano believes that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is likely to start in Week 2 against the division-rival Chicago Bears if Kyler Murray (concussion) is not cleared in time. Former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy is the one who was competing with Murray for the starting job in training camp, but it is more about the Vikings believing that Wentz's veteran experience will put them in a better position with limited preparation time. Graziano foresees a scenario where Wentz starts this week with McCarthy as the backup, assuming Murray does not clear the league's concussion protocol before Sunday. If Wentz makes the start, he is set up for success. The 33-year-old veteran led the Vikings to a come-from-behind victory over the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 1, throwing for 133 yards and three touchdowns, and the Bears just allowed 361 passing yards to Panthers QB Bryce Young. Murray should not be out long-term, but in deep two-QB fantasy leagues, Wentz could be an attractive streamer in Week 2.
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
