Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, stepping in as Kyler Murray deals with a hamstring strain, InForum reported.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the decision during a press conference on Thursday afternoon, noting that Murray is classified as week-to-week. While team officials confirmed that injured reserve is not currently under consideration, the sudden shift under center arrives as the Vikings attempt to jump-start an offense that has struggled to sustain momentum through the air.
Murray sustained the injury late in the team’s 19-15 road loss to the Detroit Lions after pulling on a read option, turning the corner, and running out of bounds. Although he finished that game, subsequent imaging revealed the hamstring strain. Murray has completed 64.9% of his pass attempts for 1,022 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions this season, while adding 167 rushing yards and missing Week 2 due to a concussion.
#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says Carson Wentz gets the start for the #Vikings this week. For Kyler Murray, “it’s not much more than a week-to-week kind of thing” with his hamstring but they don’t want to risk making it worse. pic.twitter.com/ZU5rvnXT5T
Fox Sports reported that Minnesota enters the matchup sitting at 6-1 overall, anchored by a defense that ranks first in the NFL in opponent points at 13.3 per game and second in opponent yards at 271.6 per game. By contrast, the offensive unit has labored, ranking 31st in passing yards with 165.6 per game, ahead of only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 131.4 yards per game. The Vikings also sit 29th in total yards at 279.4 per game, 27th in scoring at 20.0 points per game, and 17th in rushing yards at 113.9 per game.
Wentz Prepares for Eighth Monday Night Start
Wentz has appeared in two games for Minnesota this season, completing 59.0% of his passes for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, yielding a 106.4 passer rating. He engineered a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in the season opener after coming on in relief, then guided an ugly 9-3 victory over the Chicago Bears in rainy conditions at Soldier Field.
This will be the eighth career start for Wentz on Monday Night Football. He holds a 4-3 record in those prime-time appearances, though this will be his first Monday night start since 2021 during his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.
“We have so much confidence in Wentz,” O’Connell said, as reported by Fox Sports. “He’s going to throw a lot of completions. He’s going to put the ball in play. He’s got such a high, high understanding of not only the offense, but what he’s looking at on the other side. He’s got 100 games of experience.”
O’Connell emphasized that Wentz’s familiarity with the playbook provides a stable foundation for an offense that has seen star receiver Justin Jefferson’s patience wear thin amid passing struggles. If Wentz is forced out of action against Buffalo, rookie Max Brosmer stands next on the depth chart.
Facing the Bills
When asked whether Wentz could retain the starting job permanently with a strong performance, O’Connell sidestepped the inquiry, maintaining that the coaching staff remains entirely focused on preparing for the AFC-leading Bills, who enter the matchup at 6-1.
With Murray’s exact return timeline remaining uncertain, the immediate offensive burden falls on a veteran signal-caller making his second start of the 2026 campaign under the bright lights of U.S. Bank Stadium.
More on Carson Wentz
The #Vikings are planning to start Carson Wentz on MNF against the #Bills, as Kyler Murray’s hamstring injury would limit his mobility. Murray also could make it worse by playing. When healthy, Wentz has thrived in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Now, a shot at 1 of the NFL’s best. pic.twitter.com/vZUqCOWQ6a
Carson Wentz will start against the Bills as Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring injury. He's considered week-to-week. The timing could complicate things for the Vikings if they wanted to do something at QB as they play Monday and the trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon.
Just in: Vikings QB Carson Wentz will start Monday night’s game vs. the Buffalo Bills while Kyler Murray deals with what the team has called a “sore hamstring.” pic.twitter.com/YM6AR24m9q
Vikings to start QB Carson Wentz on MNF in Week 9 vs. Bills. (via @AdamSchefter + @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/leCBEKQ7xR
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