QB Kyler Murray’s Vikings debut was cut short by a concussion in Week 1, as he attempted only 5 passes before being ruled out. Despite the absence, Minnesota has marched to a 2-0 record, and its offense will likely improve when Murray finally becomes the team’s full-time starting quarterback.
In Week 3, the Vikings face the Buccaneers on Sunday, September 27, at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX. Will Murray be back on the field this week?
Let’s look at the latest Kyler Murray injury update and if he has cleared concussion protocol ahead of Week 3’s battle. Plus, we’ll dive into what his return could mean for fantasy football and NFL picks for PrizePicks.
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Kyler Murray Injury Update: Murray Clears Concussion Protocol for Week 3
Ahead of Week 2, Kyler Murray showed promise by being a limited participant in all three practices, but he was ultimately ruled out. Following Week 2’s 9-3 win vs. the Bears, Murray officially cleared concussion protocol and will start in Week 3.
Murray was back to being a full participant at practice on Wednesday, further emphasizing his imminent return. However, the Vikings' offense is unlikely to be at full strength in Week 3.
RB Aaron Jones was absent from practice on Wednesday, battling a knee injury. Furthermore, RB Jordan Mason (thumb) is on injured reserve and set to miss at least three more games. RB DeeJay Dallas was signed following Mason’s injury, but Dallas was also a limited participant at Wednesday’s practice with a toe injury.
Considering Minnesota’s decimated backfield, Week 3’s upcoming game vs. the Buccaneers could firmly fall on the passing game and defense. How does Murray’s return from injury impact Vikings vs. Buccaneers picks for PrizePicks?
Kyle Murray Fantasy Football Outlook & Impact on Picks for PrizePicks
Frankly, the defense has carried the load through two weeks, limiting teams to only 12.5 points per game (fourth) while forcing 2.0 turnovers per game (third). The offense carries 24.0 PPG, carried by Week 1’s 39-point outburst, but the unit has 4.3 yards per play (30th) and a 36.3% success rate (30th), per RBSDM.
Kyler Murray’s return should add a much-needed boost to the passing game that’s logged 6.7 yards per play (23rd) and a 41.4% dropback success rate (26th). In the 2025 season, Murray started in only five games, but in 2024, he posted a 51.3% success rate (10th).
Furthermore, Murray should benefit from throwing to one of the league’s best WRs in Justin Jefferson, who currently carries 2.72 yards per route run (seventh) and 15.48 EPA (ninth), per Sumer Sports.
The Buccaneers have allowed 7.6 yards per passing attempt (19th), paired with a struggling pass rush that sports a 4.41% sack rate (27th). Further, Tampa Bay’s 54.1% dropback success rate allowed sits 29th through two weeks of play.
Check out some of Kyler Murray’s projections vs. the Buccaneers, via PrizePicks.
- 209.5 Pass Yards
- 20.5 Rush Yards
- 1.5 Passing TDs (Demon)
- 30 Pass Attempts
According to Pro Football Reference, the Bucs have allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to QBs (fourth-most). Murray’s play will likely be an X-factor for the Vikings’ chance to contend, as they have the shortest payout to win the NFC North (2.63x) and a 1.56x payout to qualify for the playoffs on PrizePicks.
Pick Kyler Murray + Vikings to win on PrizePicks!
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Make Vikings vs. Buccaneers Picks on PrizePicks
After clearing concussion protocol, Kyler Murray is gearing up for his first full start in Viking purple in Week 3. In a favorable matchup vs. the Buccaneers, will Murray thrive and display Minnesota’s darkhorse potential to contend in the NFL playoffs?
Don’t wait until kickoff — make your Vikings vs. Buccaneers picks on PrizePIcks now! You can make picks on the winner, spread, and over/under on PrizePicks Team Picks, now available in 36 states. With PrizePicks, just pick players and predict More or Less on their stats!
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