Wentz to Start for Vikings Against Bears
Wentz to Start for Vikings Against Bears
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Key Points
1
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell praised Wentz’s composure after entering the game, saying, “That’s why he’s here” and calling him a “calming presence” who helped the team continue playing during the comeback.
2
Murray’s concussion occurred when Green Bay safety Javon Bullard lowered his shoulder into the right side of Murray’s helmet at the end of a third-down run; Bullard was penalized for unnecessary roughness, and Murray walked off under his own power.
3
Wentz was initially named Minnesota’s backup over McCarthy because of his experience as an 11th-year veteran, though O’Connell said the quarterback pecking order would be reassessed from week to week.
4
Wentz’s start marks the 11th time during O’Connell’s tenure that Minnesota has changed its starting quarterback during a season, with many of those changes driven by injuries, including injuries to Kirk Cousins in 2023 and McCarthy in 2025.
5
Wentz has thrown 72 interceptions during his NFL career, a statistic cited as the basis for ESPN analyst Seth Walder’s warning that his Week 1 ball security may not continue.
Carson Wentz will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears in Week 2, stepping in for an injured Kyler Murray. The Viking Age confirmed that Murray remains in concussion protocol after suffering an illegal hit from Green Bay safety Javon Bullard during Minnesota's 39-22 season-opening victory over the Packers and is not expected to play.
Wentz came off the bench in Week 1 and completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Vikings overcome a 22-10 deficit. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell praised his poise, calling him a "calming presence" and saying, "That's why he's here." Athlon Sports reported that this marks the 11th quarterback change under O'Connell this season, mostly due to injuries.
Wentz Steps In After Murray's Concussion
Murray's injury happened on a scramble when Bullard lowered his shoulder into the right side of Murray's helmet on a third-down run. The hit drew an unnecessary roughness penalty. Murray walked off the field on his own power but entered concussion protocol and did not return.
Wentz, an 11th-year veteran, was chosen as Minnesota's backup over J.J. McCarthy because of his experience. Athlon Sports noted that O'Connell said the quarterback depth chart would be reassessed week to week, leaving room for change based on performance.
Road to a Potential Quarterback Controversy
Wentz's flawless Week 1 performance has raised questions about what happens when Murray returns. His 133 yards and three touchdowns came without any interceptions, a sharp contrast to his career statistics. If Wentz wins again against Chicago, some believe he could complicate Minnesota's QB situation.
However, Murray remains the intended starter once he clears the concussion protocol. The Viking Age emphasized that Murray's injury is temporary and his role is not in doubt long-term. The question is whether Wentz's success creates enough momentum to force O'Connell to evaluate his options.
Turnover Risk Looms Against Chicago
ESPN analyst Seth Walder warned that Wentz's Week 1 ball security may not hold up. Walder cited Wentz's career total of 72 interceptions as evidence that turnovers could pile up against a Bears defense. He predicted Wentz could throw multiple picks in Week 2.
Wentz's clean debut does not erase his historical struggles with protecting the football. The Vikings will face a Chicago team eager to capitalize on any mistakes. Walder's forecast suggests Wentz must prove his mistake-free performance was not a one-week fluke.
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