Carson Wentz to Start for Vikings as Kyler Murray Remains in Concussion Protocol
J.J. McCarthy also behind Wentz on depth chart, raising questions about team's quarterback strategy.
Carson Wentz is set to start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings against the Chicago Bears, with Kyler Murray still sidelined due to a concussion. Head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that Murray, who sustained the concussion in the regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers, has not yet cleared concussion protocol. Additionally, rookie J.J. McCarthy remains behind Wentz on the depth chart.
This marks the second consecutive game Wentz will start. He took over in the season opener after Murray was injured on the Vikings' third possession. Despite trailing 9-0 at the time of Murray's injury, Wentz led a comeback effort, completing 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings' victory over the Packers. The team was trailing 22-10 when Wentz threw his first touchdown pass in the third quarter, and he added another in the fourth.
Wentz's promotion to starter over McCarthy, even when Murray is healthy, suggests the team views the veteran as more experienced and perhaps more capable at this juncture. Wentz was surprisingly elevated from the No. 3 quarterback during training camp to the No. 2 spot ahead of McCarthy before the season opener. Now, he finds himself starting again, while McCarthy, the Vikings' 2024 first-round draft pick, remains on the bench.
This situation is not entirely new for the Vikings under O'Connell. According to ESPN, this quarterback change is the 11th such instance during O'Connell's five-year tenure. Many of these moves have occurred due to injuries to the primary starter. Last season, J.J. McCarthy started the first two games before an ankle injury sidelined him for five games, during which Wentz played. Wentz then suffered an injury in Week 8, leading McCarthy to reclaim the starting role the following week. The Vikings held a 2-3 record with Wentz as the starter last year.
The team's ongoing quarterback carousel raises questions about their long-term strategy, especially if Wentz continues to perform well and secure victories. The potential for Wentz to maintain his starting position, even when Murray is cleared to play, presents a challenging decision for the coaching staff regarding the starting role for Week 3.