Vikings-Buccaneers Week 3 Recap: Jefferson and Mayfield Hurt in a 23–16 Win

Justin Jefferson went down with an ankle injury when a defender fell on it. Baker Mayfield dislocated his thumb late in the fourth quarter. Both teams limped out of this one, and Minnesota limped out with the win, 23–16.

Murray’s rusty return — Addison and special teams bail him out

It was Kyler Murray's first full game back from the concussion that cost him most of the first two weeks, and it showed: 15 of 29 for 168 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and three sacks taken. His one big play was enough. He found Jordan Addison for a 41-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Addison beating his cornerback one-on-one for 90 yards on the day. Aaron Jones carried 17 times for 58 yards and caught five passes, staying involved on early downs even in a game Murray didn't have his best stuff. Minnesota also got a non-offensive score, an 86-yard punt return touchdown from Myles Price.

Mayfield exits; Tampa Bay falls to 0–3

Mayfield threw for 217 yards and a touchdown to Ted Hurst III before the thumb injury ended his day. Emeka Egbuka led Tampa Bay's receivers with 62 yards, and Bucky Irving managed just 46 yards on 15 carries against a defense that sacked Minnesota's quarterback three times of its own. Chase McLaughlin kept it close with three field goals, including a 54-yarder.

Lineup calls for Week 4

Jefferson's ankle is the injury to track most closely — if he misses time, Addison becomes the clear top option in an offense that just showed it can win ugly around him. For the full injury picture, see our Week 3 key injuries roundup. Tampa Bay is 0–3 and now down to backup quarterback play, which drags down every skill player left on that roster until there's clarity at the position.

Counting stats and half-PPR lines are on the MIN at TB box score, and the start/sit board updates with injury-adjusted Week 4 projections.