Vikings name Kyler Murray starter and win preseason opener despite safety injury
Minnesota announced Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback and defeated the New York Giants 13-10 in their first preseason game, though newly signed safety Jamal Adams left with a leg injury.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that Kyler Murray will serve as the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming season, aligning with betting markets that had long favored him. The decision ends speculation that rookie J.J. McCarthy would challenge for the role, as his preseason performance did not match expectations.
In the Vikings' first preseason contest, they beat the New York Giants 13-10. Murray completed a key third-down pass to wide receiver Jordan Addison during a 54-yard opening drive that ended in a field goal. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz also saw action, completing a pass for a touchdown to Myles Price and posting a 103.6 passer rating.
The running game showed promise, with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combining for 44 yards on six carries, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt. Wide receiver Myles Price was named the game's most valuable player after catching four passes for 51 yards, including a one-handed touchdown reception.
The game was marked by an injury to newly signed safety/linebacker Jamal Adams, who was carted off with a non-contact leg injury. The team expressed hopes for a swift recovery.
Other notable performances included defensive end Dallas Turner recording a sack in limited snaps and undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas intercepting a pass, suggesting depth contributions as the season approaches.