Overview
- The Vikings announced Thursday that Carson Wentz will start Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium because Kyler Murray is listed week-to-week with a hamstring strain.
- Coach Kevin O'Connell stressed the move is driven by injury risk and said the team will not place Murray on injured reserve at this time.
- Wentz has appeared twice this season for Minnesota and is 23-of-39 for 276 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, which the coaching staff cited when explaining their confidence in him.
- Max Brosmer will serve as Wentz’s backup for the game, and Minnesota will face a 6-1 Buffalo Bills team led by Josh Allen in a nationally televised Monday Night Football matchup.
- If Wentz performs well, the start could influence the Vikings’ short-term quarterback thinking and roster plans before the trade deadline while Murray’s mobility-focused game raises the risk of aggravating the hamstring if rushed back.