Overview
- Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Thursday that Carson Wentz will start Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills and that Kyler Murray is out with a hamstring strain.
- The team said imaging showed a risk to Murray’s mobility and that holding him out was intended to avoid turning a minor injury into something more serious.
- Max Brosmer will be the active backup for Wentz and Minnesota indicated placing Murray on injured reserve is not being considered.
- Wentz has stepped in twice this season, completing 23 of 39 passes for 276 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, which the staff cites as the reason they trust him in a primetime spot.
- The change sharpens focus on Minnesota’s offense for the Week 9 matchup with Josh Allen’s 6-1 Bills and could affect short-term playoff positioning and any quarterback decisions the Vikings make in the coming weeks.