Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell declined to criticize Green Bay Packers defensive back Javon Bullard following a collision that left quarterback Kyler Murray with a concussion during Sunday’s season opener. Though the play drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, O’Connell characterized it as an unavoidable moment of football intensity rather than a deliberate infraction.
O’Connell noted that Murray’s late, sideways slide made the situation difficult to judge. The quarterback became sandwiched between Bullard and another defender as he went to the ground, but the Vikings coach refused to assign blame given the speed and chaos inherent in the sport. “It was a violent, physical play,” O’Connell said, emphasizing that without a clear head-first slide, no fault could be assigned.
Backup Carson Wentz stepped in and led the Vikings to an impressive comeback victory, throwing three touchdown passes as Minnesota erased a 12-point deficit and won by 17 points. Murray, who completed three of five passes for 18 yards in limited action, was present at the facility on Monday feeling relatively well, though he entered the concussion protocol.
The Vikings will monitor Murray’s recovery day by day, deferring to medical staff and league protocol. O’Connell expressed optimism about the quarterback’s initial condition while acknowledging the team must follow established procedures before Murray can return to action.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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