Kyler Murray Clears Protocol, Starts Week 3

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has cleared concussion protocol and will start Week 3 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday. Murray left the season opener against Green Bay after a concussion on his 11th snap as a Viking. Carson Wentz finished that win and started at Chicago in Week 2 as Minnesota opened 2-0 against division foes.

Tom Pelissero also reported Monday that Murray cleared protocol and returns to the starting lineup Sunday against the Bucs. O'Connell pointed to Wentz's ball security and complementary football as a model for Murray's return, and he stressed protecting the football after an early interception compounded an offensive line breakdown in Week 1. Soft fantasy note only: bank the cleared-and-starting stamp. Do not invent a Week 3 pass volume from one Monday presser.

Kickoff at Tampa is set for 3:05 p.m. CT Sunday. Minnesota has not turned the ball over since that early Week 1 pick, and O'Connell said the expectation is to keep playing roles clean while the offense grows.

Week 3 at Tampa

Protocol cleared. Murray starts. Wentz back to backup.

Sunday in Tampa. Vikings stay on the gas.