Vikings score early with Murray back as Jefferson exits
The Vikings score stood at 10-7 after the first quarter in Tampa as Kyler Murray returned from a Week 1 concussion and moved the offense early, but star receiver Justin Jefferson suffered an ankle injury, walked to the locker room in the second quarter, and was listed as questionable to return against the Buccaneers. Follow more celebrity breaking news as Week 3 unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota led 10-7 after one quarter at Raymond James Stadium against Tampa Bay.
- Kyler Murray returned after only 11 snaps in Week 1 before a concussion ended his opener.
- Justin Jefferson left with an ankle injury and was questionable to return, per the team.
- Myles Price scored on a first-quarter punt return for the 2-0 Vikings.
- The 0-2 Buccaneers entered desperate after Baker Mayfield’s turnover-heavy start.
What is the Vikings score and early storyline in Tampa?
According to the Star Tribune’s live report from Raymond James Stadium, the Vikings score was 10-7 at the end of the first quarter of their NFL Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Minnesota arrived at 2-0; Tampa Bay was 0-2.
The contest aired on Fox and KFAN (100.3-FM). Early momentum included a first-quarter punt-return touchdown by wide receiver Myles Price, who celebrated with teammate Jordan Addison after the scoring run.
Minnesota was trying to extend its win streak while keeping pace with Baker Mayfield, Murray’s former Oklahoma teammate. Mayfield entered the afternoon desperate for a win after four turnovers played a major role in Tampa Bay’s tough start.
Why does Kyler Murray’s return matter for the Vikings?
Murray’s Week 3 appearance was effectively a second debut. He played only 11 snaps in the season opener against the Packers before suffering a concussion, then won the starting job over J.J. McCarthy and returned cleared for Tampa.
On the field early, Murray already picked up one first down with his legs, a reminder of the mobility that helped him earn the role. For a Minnesota team that had been grinding with a struggling passing attack—ranked 31st entering the week, per Daily Norseman analysis—his availability was the central pregame question.
The Vikings’ defense under Brian Flores had carried a 2-0 start, while Kevin O’Connell’s offense faced pressure to generate more through the air. Murray’s return was the clearest chance to open that attack against a battered Buccaneers side searching for its first win.
How serious is Justin Jefferson’s ankle injury?
The early excitement was tempered when Jefferson suffered an ankle injury against Tampa Bay. He walked into the locker room in the second quarter and was considered questionable to return, according to the team’s report relayed by the Star Tribune.
Losing Jefferson midgame would test Minnesota’s depth, especially with Price already featuring as a return threat and complementary receiver. For fantasy players and Vikings fans alike, the ankle report became the afternoon’s biggest unresolved question while the Vikings score still favored Minnesota early.
As live updates continued from Tampa, the dual narrative stayed clear: Murray was back and Minnesota had started fast, but Jefferson’s status loomed over every subsequent snap.