EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Kyler Murray was well enough to join the Minnesota Vikings for practice on a limited basis on Wednesday, leaving open the possibility he could progress through the NFL concussion protocol to play on Sunday.
Whether Murray is able to start at Chicago or Carson Wentz continues running the offense, the quarterback will be without his leading rusher: Jordan Mason was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return because of a broken
thumb.
Mason is expected to be back on the active roster after the minimum four weeks, coach Kevin O'Connell said, after X-rays revealed a small fracture that required a minor procedure. Mason had 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over Green Bay and reported soreness the following day.
Aaron Jones continues to top the depth chart, but Deejay Dallas was signed from the practice squad to the active roster with his role certain to increase beyond special teams and third down pass protection.
The Vikings also signed fifth-year veteran Jerome Ford to the practice squad for depth, after rookie Demond Claiborne was a healthy scratch for the game last week. Ford spent the past four seasons with Cleveland.
“Aaron obviously is going to be heavily involved,” O'Connell said. “At the same time, we want to keep him fresh.”
Because teams always protect quarterbacks from contact in practice during the week, Murray's limited participation doesn't necessarily mean he's on a fast track to play. O'Connell and the Vikings prefer to make their decision about who will start by Friday.
“We're just going day by day right now,” O'Connell said. “He's got to be medically cleared before we even have the conversation about playing in a game.”
Wentz entered in relief in the first quarter last week against Green Bay after Murray took an illegal hit to the head at the end of a run and helped lead the Vikings to a 39-22 victory after they faced a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter.
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