Vikings Start Carson Wentz Against Bills After Murray Injury
The Minnesota Vikings will start Carson Wentz against the Buffalo Bills after Kyler Murray strained a hamstring. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Murray is not being considered for injured reserve, while Wentz gets another chance to lead the offense. The quarterback change adds to a season of repeated switches, but O’Connell said the team’s focus is on the upcoming game.
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings will start Carson Wentz against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, a change that puts the team’s quarterback situation under fresh scrutiny after Kyler Murray strained a hamstring. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback trade rumors phrase is circulating, but the confirmed move is Wentz’s start, not a reported trade.
Wentz gets the opportunity because Murray is sidelined with the injury he suffered during Sunday’s 19-15 loss to the Detroit Lions. Coach Kevin O’Connell said the team is not considering placing Murray on injured reserve.
It is another turn of the carousel. Since Kirk Cousins tore his right Achilles tendon midway through the 2023 season, Minnesota has switched quarterbacks 14 times during a season because of injuries or performance.
Why is Carson Wentz starting for the Vikings?
Murray hurt his hamstring while running on a read-option play early in the fourth quarter against Detroit. O’Connell said the strain could limit more than Murray’s ability to run, because explosive and quick movements are also part of how he plays.
“I don't believe it to be much more than a week-to-week kind of thing right now,” O’Connell said. He added that asking Murray to play before he is ready could risk making the injury more significant.
“It's all about this week for our team,” O’Connell said when asked whether Wentz could earn further starts based on his performance, regardless of Murray’s health. The coach had said earlier in the week that Murray would remain the starter if healthy.
The decision matters beyond the depth chart. Minnesota needs an effective offense against Buffalo, while Murray’s recovery timeline will shape when the team can return to its preferred starting quarterback. For Wentz, Monday is a chance to build on his record with the Vikings; for Murray, the priority is avoiding a worse hamstring strain.
What has Wentz delivered in his starts?
Wentz has started six games and played most of a seventh since signing with Minnesota in August 2025. The Vikings went 4-3 in those games, while Wentz completed 63.9% of his passes for 1,492 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
His connection with receiver Justin Jefferson has been productive: Jefferson caught 44 passes for 615 yards and two touchdowns across those seven games. Jefferson was visibly frustrated after the loss to Detroit and declined to speak with reporters afterward.
“I've enjoyed being here,” Wentz said. “I enjoy this offense, enjoy this team, enjoy working with [O'Connell] and I'm excited for another opportunity.” O’Connell also backed his backup, calling Wentz the right option while Murray cannot play at full strength.
“And we feel very strongly about when Carson's in there, we're going to get really effective quarterback play,” O’Connell said. Wentz’s next start comes Monday night against the Buffalo Bills.
