Kyler Murray didn’t need much convincing to play in the Minnesota Vikings’ preseason opener. The 29-year-old hadn’t taken a live snap since suffering a foot injury last October, and practice could only take him so far in a new offense. He wanted the speed, pressure and noise only an actual game can provide.
Murray’s first preseason outing as a Viking was brief. He completed 2-of-3 passes for 10 yards during a 54-yard opening drive that ended with a field goal.
Kevin O’Connell had named Murray the starter earlier in the week, making his one-series appearance more about shaking the rust off than evaluation. Coaches protect established quarterbacks in the preseason, especially one returning from a long layoff, but Murray saw value in those snaps.
Kyler Murray needed real pressure in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense under Kevin O’Connell
“I've done both. I've sat in the preseason. I haven't played at all in the preseason. I've played one game in the preseason, so honestly, I've never been more excited to play a preseason game,” Murray said in a postgame press conference. “I haven't played since October. Just really taking advantage of the opportunity, seeing that as a blessing and just coming out here, getting to touch the field again, there's nothing like it.”
Murray said he looked around before kickoff and took in the scene. After seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, his first road trip, sideline and huddle with Minnesota all felt new. Three attempts gave Murray the live-game work he’d been waiting for since October.
Joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens will give Murray quality work against another defense this week. But he knows it's not the same.
“I don't think you can replicate it,” Murray said. “At the end of the day, when you're out there, when the lights are bright, it's who can perform, who can't. I think that it's good for us to come out here and get our feet wet.”
Those live reps gave Murray a chance to work through O'Connell's calls with a play clock, crowd noise and defenders actually allowed to finish plays. His third-and-7 completion to Jordan Addison moved the chains and kept the drive alive, a useful test for a quarterback preparing to open the regular season at Green Bay.
Minnesota faces Baltimore in its next exhibition after the joint sessions. If O’Connell offers another series against Baltimore, Murray isn't likely to turn it down.
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