Packers LB Not Fined for Illegal Hit That Caused Kyler Murray Concussion, Penalized for Hit on Wentz

Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness did not receive a fine for his involvement in the hit that resulted in Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray suffering a concussion in Week 1, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Van Ness and Packers safety Javon Bullard hit Murray as he was scrambling outside the pocket in the first quarter of Minnesota's 39-22 win over Green Bay, as the signal-caller was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Bullard received an unnecessary roughness penalty at the time.

Van Ness was fined $17,911 by the NFL for a separate play in which his hand made contact with the head of Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz in the third quarter of the contest, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

The Packers jumped out to a 22-10 lead following Murray's exit in the first half, although the Vikings racked up 29 unanswered points to emerge victorious.

Minnesota also outscored Green Bay 22-0 in the fourth quarter.

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Van Ness finished with four tackles and one sack, while Bullard recorded one tackle.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't place blame on either player for Murray's injury after the game.

"It would be one thing if there was a headfirst slide and a clear declaration [of giving himself up]," O'Connell explained, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "But I don't put any fault on anybody there."

Van Ness hasn't developed a reputation for racking up fines throughout his career, as he was only fined twice across 43 total games heading into the 2026 season (via Spotrac).

As for Murray, he was ruled out of Minnesota's Week 2 clash with the Chicago Bears due to the concussion.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Friday that Murray has continued to progress through concussion protocol and "did more in practice Thursday than Wednesday" despite ultimately being unable to suit up.

Wentz will start for the Vikings on Sunday.