As the NFL season charges into Week 3, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are already battling the brutal reality of injuries. On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, both teams released their first official injury reports ahead of their Sunday afternoon showdown at Soldier Field. The early returns reveal significant concerns for both sidelines, with star players trending in opposite directions. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Vikings received positive news on quarterback Kyler Murray, while the Bears face a potential hole on their offensive line.
Vikings: Kyler Murray Progressing, Jordan Mason to IR
The headline out of Minnesota is the status of dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray, who suffered a concussion early in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Murray was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but reports from the coaching staff indicate he has not experienced any lingering symptoms. While he must still clear the league’s concussion protocol, the early trajectory suggests his chances of suiting up against Chicago are improving. “He’s trending in the right direction,” a team source told Vulius. “We’ll take it day by day, but Kyler’s competitive fire is undeniable.”
However, the Vikings received a tough blow in the backfield. Running back Jordan Mason was placed on short-term injured reserve with a broken thumb, sidelining him for at least the next four games. Mason had been a reliable rotational piece, and his absence leaves a void. In a corresponding move, the Vikings promoted Deejay Dallas to the active roster. Dallas, who has experience in both the run and pass game, appears to be ahead of rookie Demond Claiborne on the depth chart for now. Fantasy managers take note: Dallas could be a sneaky flex play in deeper leagues.
Bears: Darnell Wright’s Knee a Growing Concern
On the Bears’ side, the most alarming development is starting right tackle Darnell Wright, who did not practice due to a knee injury. Wright played every snap against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, so this appears to be a new issue. As arguably Chicago’s best offensive lineman, his potential absence would be a significant loss against a Vikings front seven that thrives on disruption. The severity remains unclear, but head coach Matt Eberflus is expected to provide an update later in the week.
Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo continues to work his way back from a torn patellar tendon. He was limited on Wednesday, and while he’s likely to reclaim his starting role when fully healthy, it’s uncertain if he’ll be ready for Sunday. Meanwhile, both Bears running backs—Kyle Monangai (hamstring) and D’Andre Swift (ankle/knee)—were limited. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and even if they play, neither may be at full speed. The Bears’ ground game could be compromised, putting more pressure on the passing attack.
Other Notables and What to Watch
For the Vikings, several starters were limited but are not expected to miss Sunday’s game: linebacker Blake Cashman (wrist), outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (chest), right tackle Brian O’Neill (knee), and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (not injury related). All are on track to play, barring setbacks. On the Bears’ side, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (rest) and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (shoulder) were also limited, but neither is considered serious. Defensive backs Malik Mohammad (ankle) and Xavier Woods (groin) should be fine, while defensive tackle Neville Gallimore missed practice with an illness—likely a one-day absence.
As the week progresses, Thursday and Friday’s reports will provide much-needed clarity. For now, the Vikings appear cautiously optimistic about Murray, while the Bears are holding their breath on Wright. One thing is certain: in the brutal NFC North, health is as valuable as any scheme. Stay tuned to Vulius for continued coverage, and gear up with official Vikings and Bears merchandise at vulius.com.
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