Kyler Murray has been cleared to return to the starting quarterback position for the Minnesota Vikings as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday that Murray will start in the upcoming game, which pits the undefeated Vikings against the winless Buccaneers.

Murray, who had previously exited early in Week 1 due to a concussion, will resume his role as starter, with Carson Wentz moving back to the backup position. Wentz played a critical role in the Vikings’ 27-24 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in Murray’s absence and started the most recent game, leading Minnesota to a 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

O’Connell emphasized the value Murray gained from observing Wentz’s performance, highlighting the importance of protecting the football and making sound decisions. “Carson wasn’t doing crazy things. He was just protecting the football, making good decisions, making some big-time throws when he could and running the show. And I think he saw some plays get made,” O’Connell said, suggesting that this approach will inform Murray’s play going forward.

The matchup between the Vikings and Buccaneers gains an additional layer of interest as both teams’ quarterbacks share a collegiate background; Murray and Tampa Bay’s starter, Baker Mayfield, both played at Oklahoma.

In other NFL developments, several key players are poised to return or face setbacks. Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a torn ACL, is expected to start at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons in their upcoming Thursday game against the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold may resume practice later this week. The Detroit Lions will proceed without cornerback Avonte Maddox, who is scheduled for season-ending foot surgery. The Los Angeles Chargers will continue to play Derwin James despite a broken pinkie finger.

These updates reflect ongoing adjustments as teams navigate injuries and roster changes early in the NFL season.