Kevin O’Connell Bluntly Addresses Kyler Murray’s Future After Kirk Cousins Trade

Detailed summary

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell delivered a blunt response when asked about Kyler Murray's chance to compete for QB1.

The Minnesota Vikings are 6-2 to begin the 2026 NFL season, despite some shaky quarterback play from both Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz.

Murray, who's dealing with a week-to-week hamstring issue, was replaced by Wentz for Monday night's primetime matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Wentz had an atrocious outing, completing just eight of his 25 pass attempts for 81 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 23-6 loss.

The following day, the Vikings acquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in a blockbuster trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota gave up a 2027 third-round pick in order to land Cousins, who played for the Vikings for six seasons from 2018-23.

When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked if Murray has any chance to reclaim the starting quarterback job once he's healthy.

"I don't think he can," O'Connell replied. "We acquired Kirk to join a 6-2 football team and play."

While O'Connell made it clear that Cousins will be the team's starting quarterback, he stopped short of confirming he'll be ready to take the field as QB1 in Week 10.

“That’s what we’re working toward but also want to be fair to Kirk and make sure he feels good about it," O'Connell told reporters on Wednesday.

The Vikings, who've now lost each of their last two games, will look to get back in the win column against the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 10.

Sunday's matchup will kick off at 1 p.m. ET from Green Bay's Lambeau Field.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Newsweek. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.