Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray exited his team debut on Sunday with a concussion following a hard hit to the head while attempting to slide. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the Vikings' season opener against the Packers.
Carson Wentz replaced Murray under center for Minnesota shortly after the team announced he would not return for the remainder of the game due to the head injury. The collision happened with 6:07 remaining in the first quarter when Murray, after scrambling to his right, attempted to slide to avoid a tackle. Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness made contact with Murray's helmet with his arm, dislodging it, and safety Javon Bullard also made contact with the quarterback's head.
Murray, 29, went down in pain and was attended to by team trainers. He was able to walk off the field under his own power but proceeded directly to the locker room for further evaluation. Bullard was penalized for a personal foul on the play.
Prior to his exit, Murray completed three passes for 18 yards and threw one interception. He signed with the Vikings this offseason on a one-year contract after seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Murray was named the Vikings' starting quarterback in mid-August, following a training camp competition with J.J. McCarthy, who was the third-stringer entering Sunday's game. Coach Kevin O’Connell had previously stated his confidence in Murray's development as the starter.