The Minnesota Vikings are making another quarterback change ahead of a nationally televised matchup against the Buffalo Bills, with head coach Kevin O'Connell announcing that Carson Wentz will start Monday night as Kyler Murray continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
O'Connell confirmed Thursday that Murray will not play against Buffalo, with the veteran quarterback considered week to week because of a hamstring strain. Max Brosmer will serve as Wentz's backup, giving Minnesota a different quarterback combination for one of its most important games of the first half of the season.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Vikings had been preparing to start Wentz because Murray's injury would significantly limit his mobility and potentially
worsen if he attempted to play. The decision allows Murray additional recovery time while giving Minnesota an experienced quarterback familiar with O'Connell's offensive system.
#Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell says Kyler Murray is week-to-week with his hamstring strain, so Max Brosmer will be the backup. https://t.co/LRjv6YQ4GG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2026
Carson Wentz gets another opportunity in Minnesota
Wentz is no stranger to difficult situations, and his previous performances in O'Connell's offense offer some encouragement heading into Monday night.
The veteran delivered one of Minnesota's most impressive quarterback performances earlier this season after replacing Murray against the Green Bay Packers. Wentz threw for 133 yards and three touchdowns during the fourth quarter, helping the Vikings complete a comeback victory over their NFC North rivals.
His next appearance was less productive, with Wentz completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards and no touchdowns against Chicago in Week 2.
That inconsistency highlights the challenge facing Minnesota, although Wentz's experience and familiarity with the offense should help the coaching staff maintain continuity without completely changing its approach against Buffalo.
The Vikings will need Wentz to distribute the football efficiently, avoid costly turnovers, and keep Minnesota's offense on schedule against a Bills team that can turn mistakes into scoring opportunities.
Kyler Murray's injury creates uncertainty
Murray's absence is another setback in a season marked by inconsistent production from Minnesota's starting quarterback.
The former No. 1 overall pick has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays, and his effectiveness as a runner has been limited compared with previous seasons. A hamstring injury adds concern because mobility and the ability to extend plays have been key to his success throughout his career.
With O'Connell describing Murray as week to week, there is no definitive timetable for his return. That leaves open the possibility that Wentz could remain in the starting lineup beyond Monday night, depending on Murray's recovery.
For now, Minnesota's focus shifts to preparing Wentz for Buffalo and ensuring Brosmer is ready if needed. The Vikings have made their immediate quarterback decision, but Murray's health will remain one of the team's biggest storylines.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings name Carson Wentz starter vs. Bills; Kyler Murray ruled out
