Kyler Murray's Hamstring Clouds Vikings vs. Bills

Just what Vikings fans did not need after a frustrating Sunday in Detroit. Kyler Murray is dealing with enough hamstring soreness that Minnesota said Monday it is uncertain whether he will be available for next Monday night's showdown with the Bills.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Murray is going through a "full eval," with more updates expected from the medical staff early this week, ESPN reported. Asked if the injury was serious enough to keep Murray out against Buffalo, O'Connell said: "I don't think we're there yet. It's still early enough that I'll continue to get updates."

Wentz on Standby

If Murray cannot go, Carson Wentz would make his second start of the season. O'Connell was clear this is about health, not a benching. Asked whether Murray remains the starter when healthy, he gave a one-word answer: "Yes."

That support comes after a rough afternoon. Murray struggled in the 19-15 loss to the Lions and missed Justin Jefferson on multiple chances for big plays, several of which O'Connell walked through after the game.

The number that matters: through six starts with Minnesota, Murray ranks 26th among 30 qualified quarterbacks in QBR.

Still Building the Connection

Nearly eight months after Minnesota signed Murray as a free agent, O'Connell talked Monday like the project is still in progress.

"It's just continuing to build that rapport of the plans, the comfort level," O'Connell said, "[and] continuing to implore some input from him on things he likes and things [where] we carve it and make it even cleaner and better for him so that we do get some of that comfort where he'll throw things with anticipation and we get the look for a play, and we all know it's coming, and we see the pitch and catch there."

For a 6-1 team, that is an honest admission that the passing game is still finding its timing.

A Big One on the Calendar

The stakes are high. The 6-1 Bills visit the 6-1 Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:15 PM PT, a heavyweight matchup between two of the best records in football. The extra day before kickoff gives Murray a little more time to get right.

Whoever plays quarterback, the target tree is clear. Jefferson led the Vikings with nine targets against Detroit, and Jordan Addison drew a season-high eight while seeing more time in the slot.

Smacktok pick lean: lean higher on Justin Jefferson's targets against Buffalo no matter who starts, since the volume has stayed with him through the inconsistency. Hold off on any Murray picks until Minnesota clears him. Vikings fans, keep an eye on the midweek practice reports, because a 6-1 vs. 6-1 Monday night deserves the real Kyler.