Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that Kyler Murray will miss the Vikings' Monday Night Football game against the Bills because of a hamstring strain, and Carson Wentz will start in his place. Max Brosmer will be Minnesota's backup for the prime-time matchup.
That update lands at a sharp moment for Minnesota, with the Vikings and Bills both 6-1 entering Monday night's game. It also gives Wentz another chance to steer the offense after already stepping in twice this season, first in Week 1 when Murray entered concussion protocol and then the following week at Chicago.
O'Connell said the team views the injury as week to week, but the decision is about more than the calendar. Murray's movement and playing style can make a hamstring strain harder to manage, and the staff does not want a short absence to become something bigger by asking him to push through it too early.
That is why the Vikings will work through an adjusted schedule, practicing Thursday, Friday and Saturday before facing the Bills. Murray had started and played the full five games since returning in Week 3, but now the task shifts to Wentz, who said he feels very comfortable in the offense and is ready to go.
Wentz said his focus is on keeping Minnesota on the field, sustaining drives and getting Justin Jefferson involved when possible. He has done that before for this team, helping Minnesota rally to beat Green Bay in Week 1 and then helping it open with consecutive division wins the next week. If he delivers again, the Vikings will have held serve in a game that could shape the early standings as much as any they have played.
