Week 7 · 2026
Kyler Murray’s Fourth-Quarter Escape Keeps Minnesota Perfect
Indianapolis Colts 10 at Minnesota Vikings 16
The Colts Strike First
A narrow lane would later change the day, but Indianapolis first seized control at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jonathan Taylor took a handoff near midfield, slipped through an opening on the left, and raced 38 yards for a touchdown. With 9:13 left in the first quarter, the Colts led 7-0. Minnesota, trying to protect its 5-0 start, answered without rushing. Kyler Murray used short throws to Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Hockenson. Jordan Mason added hard runs up the middle. The Vikings reached the Colts’ 10-yard line, yet had to settle for Will Reichard’s 28-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
A Tough Halftime Wall
The Vikings kept pressing. Deep in their own territory, Murray escaped defenders and found Jefferson for a 21-yard gain. That play helped Reichard make a 47-yard field goal, pulling Minnesota within 7-6. Indianapolis then built a long drive before halftime. Daniel Jones completed short passes while Taylor and Seth McGowan ran the ball. Near the goal line, however, Minnesota’s defense stood firm. A holding penalty erased a run to the 3-yard line, and linebacker Blake Cashman brought down Jones for an 11-yard loss. Spencer Shrader made a 43-yard field goal as time ran out, but the Colts’ lead was only 10-6.
Murray Finds the Lane
After halftime, the Vikings’ defense gave Murray a chance to change the game. Cashman recorded two sacks, which happen when a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line where the play begins. Minnesota brought down Jones four times in all. Then Shrader missed a 56-yard field goal late in the third quarter. On the first play of the fourth, Murray saw his opening. He ran 35 yards to the Colts’ 5-yard line, turning a tense moment into Minnesota’s best chance. One play later, he threw a short touchdown pass to Hockenson for a 13-10 lead. The Colts had more chances after a blocked Minnesota field-goal try and another Shrader miss. Still, Murray led a late drive that ended with Reichard’s 52-yard field goal and a 16-10 lead with 1:39 left. Safety Smith then intercepted Jones on Indianapolis’ next play, ending the fight. Minnesota moved to 6-0 and will face the Detroit Lions next. Indianapolis fell to 2-5 before meeting the Jacksonville Jaguars.