Carson Wentz will start for Minnesota against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night in Week 9, with Kyler Murray ruled out because of a hamstring injury.
Kevin O'Connell told reporters on Thursday that Wentz will get the nod and that Murray will miss the game. It is the latest quarterback turn for Minnesota in a season that has already featured movement under center, and it keeps Minnesota Vikings quarterback trade rumors in the conversation as the team tries to stabilize the position.
What led to the change
Murray's first season in Minnesota has been interrupted from the start. In the regular-season opener, he suffered a concussion, which led to Wentz appearing in two games and starting one earlier in the season. Then in Week 8, after Minnesota lost to the Detroit Lions, O'Connell said Murray was dealing with a sore hamstring.
That setback now keeps Murray out for Monday night, leaving Wentz to handle the start against Buffalo. For Minnesota, it is another reminder that the quarterback situation has been anything but settled.
Why it matters for Minnesota
The quarterback switch comes at a time when the offense has struggled to keep pace. Minnesota enters Week 9 ranked 29th in yards gained per game, 31st in passing and 27th in points scored per game. The offense has not consistently matched the level of a team that has already built a 6-1 record.
That record has been driven in large part by the defense. Minnesota ranks second in yards per game allowed, first in points per game allowed and is giving up just 13.3 points per game. The contrast is stark: one side of the ball has kept the Vikings in the league's top tier, while the offense has lagged behind.
What Wentz brings next
Wentz has already been part of the rotation this season, so this will not be a completely new role. He has made two appearances and one start, giving Minnesota at least some familiarity with how he operates in game action.
Now he gets another chance in a high-profile spot against the Bills. The immediate question is simple: can Minnesota get enough from the passing game to complement a defense that has carried the team for much of the season? With Murray sidelined, Wentz will have the answer in front of him on Monday night.
Max Brosmer is also on the roster, but O'Connell's announcement makes clear that Wentz will be the starter against Buffalo.
