With Murray still in concussion protocol, Carson Wentz appears poised to make the start for Minnesota after leading a Week 1 comeback.
Minnesota Vikings veteran quarterback Carson Wentz didn't know when his opportunity would come in 2026, but when it arrived in the season opener, he looked more than ready for it.
Now, he may be preparing to make his first start of the season.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is unlikely to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears as he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. While that is subject to change depending on how Murray progresses throughout the week, that would put Wentz in line to start after he stepped in for Murray during Minnesota's season-opening comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers.
There is still a chance Murray could clear the protocol in time to play. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Murray came into the facility feeling "pretty good" and that the team would take his recovery one day at a time.
But for now, the Vikings have to prepare as if Wentz will be under center.
And judging by his comments following Sunday's win, the veteran quarterback is ready for the responsibility.
"You know I've done this before, in a lot of different colors now, but I've done this before," Wentz said after the comeback. "I'm confident in what I bring to the table, I'm kind of the old guy in that huddle."
That confidence was evident against Green Bay.
Wentz entered the game early after Murray suffered his concussion and eventually helped Minnesota erase a 22-10 deficit. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns while leading four consecutive touchdown drives to close out the 39-22 victory.
More importantly, Wentz never appeared overwhelmed by the moment.
That's exactly why Minnesota trusted him.
The Vikings made Wentz their No. 2 quarterback heading into the season, with O'Connell previously pointing to his experience and nearly 100 career starts as a major reason for that decision.
Now, that experience could be put to the test immediately.
A Week 2 start against Chicago, who just opened the season with 59 points on the road, would present a much different challenge than entering a game already in progress. But Wentz has already proved that he understands the offense and can command the huddle when his number is called.
For a Vikings team that just showed it can overcome adversity, having a veteran quarterback capable of stepping in without hesitation is a major advantage.
Murray still has time to work through the concussion protocol, and the Vikings will not rush that process simply because they need him back on the field.
But if Murray isn't cleared, Minnesota won't be entering Sunday wondering whether Wentz is ready.
He already showed them the answer.
He is.
