Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Vikings Name Carson Wentz Starter as Kyler Murray Sits
The Minnesota Vikings will start Carson Wentz at quarterback against the Chicago Bears.
Kyler Murray cannot play because he is still in the NFL’s concussion safety program.
Murray was hurt by a hit to his helmet during the Vikings’ season opener.
He practiced in a limited way during the week but did not have enough time to finish the process.
The Vikings expect him to return for their game at Tampa Bay on Sept.
27.
Wentz played well after replacing Murray and threw three touchdown passes.
J.J. McCarthy will be the Vikings’ second quarterback in Chicago.
The team will also be without running back Jordan Mason for at least four games because of a broken thumb.
Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for Minnesota against Chicago on Sunday.
Kyler Murray was ruled out while remaining in the NFL concussion protocol.
Coach Kevin O’Connell expects Murray to clear the protocol before the Vikings’ Sept. 27 game at Tampa Bay.
Wentz threw three touchdown passes in relief during Minnesota’s 39-22 win over Green Bay.
J.J. McCarthy will serve as the backup, while several other Vikings players face injuries or absences.
- Who
- The Minnesota Vikings, Carson Wentz, Kyler Murray, and J.J. McCarthy are central to the quarterback decision.
- What
- The Vikings named Wentz their starter against the Chicago Bears because Murray remains in concussion protocol.
- When
- The game is Sunday; the Vikings expect Murray to return for the Sept. 27 game at Tampa Bay.
- Where
- The game will be played in Chicago.
- Why
- Murray did not complete the concussion protocol after suffering a helmet hit in the season opener.
- Starting quarterback
- Carson Wentz
- Unavailable quarterback
- Kyler Murray, ruled out while in concussion protocol
- Backup quarterback
- J.J. McCarthy
- Previous game result
- Minnesota defeated Green Bay 39-22
- Wentz’s relief performance
- Three touchdown passes
- Other absences
- Jajuan Jennings was ruled out for a personal family matter; Jordan Mason is out at least four games with a broken thumb
- Questionable player
- Right tackle Brian O’Neill, knee injury