Vikings to Start Carson Wentz Against Bears With Kyler Murray Sidelined

Carson Wentz will lead the Vikings offense on Sunday after Kyler Murray suffered a concussion on the 11th play of the season opener.

Carson Wentz will serve as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback this Sunday against the Chicago Bears, coach Kevin O'Connell announced Friday. Wentz replaces Kyler Murray, who is recovering from a concussion sustained during the Vikings' Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers. After entering that contest in relief, Wentz completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Murray suffered the head injury at the end of a third-down scramble following hits from Lukas Van Ness and Javon Bullard. Although Murray participated in three practices this week, he has not yet cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. O'Connell stated he anticipates Murray will be cleared in time for a Week 3 start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This transition marks the 11th time Minnesota has changed starting quarterbacks during O'Connell's five-year tenure.

Wentz previously started five games for Minnesota in 2025, recording a 2-3 record before undergoing left shoulder surgery. The veteran was re-signed in March to provide depth behind Murray and J.J. McCarthy. In other roster news, receiver Jauan Jennings will miss the Bears game due to a family matter. Right tackle Brian O'Neill is listed as questionable with a knee injury, though he returned to practice on a limited basis Friday.