Kyler Murray is OUT for the Minnesota Vikings after going down with a concussion in the first quarter of their big 39-22 season-opening win against the Packers. That means Carson Wentz is stepping up to start this Sunday, and honestly, the guy just showed everyone what he’s capable of.
Wentz Stepped Up, The Coach Is Pumped
Remember that Packers game? Murray gets sidelined early, and Wentz comes in clutch. He wasn’t just filling in; he was *leading*. We saw him complete 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and a massive three touchdowns. That’s not just solid; that’s the kind of performance that fueled a comeback victory, plain and simple. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell isn’t even surprised, telling reporters after the game, “That’s why he’s here. For him to come in and do what he did and just be part of that calming presence that allowed our team to continue playing, I can’t say enough about him.” Sounds like he earned his shot, right? J.J. McCarthy is expected to back him up, so let’s hope Wentz stays healthy and keeps that momentum rolling.
Vikings’ QB Merry-Go-Round Continues
Look, the Vikings know a thing or two about quarterback drama. This isn’t their first rodeo. According to ESPN, this will be the 11th time under O’Connell that they’ve changed starting quarterbacks in a single season. Eleventh! Kevin Seifert from ESPN notes that most of those moves were forced by injuries, like Kirk Cousins back in 2023 or J.J. McCarthy in 2025. It’s a wild ride for that franchise, but hey, if Wentz keeps slinging it like he did against Green Bay, maybe this “musical chairs” thing works out for them in the early part of the season.
Sunday brings a fierce NFC North rivalry matchup, and while one team won’t have their starter, they’ve got a seriously solid fill-in in Wentz. What a game to watch unfold! Speaking of big QB decisions, word is the Seahawks have made their final call on Sam Darnold ahead of the Cardinals game. You know we’ll be watching that closely!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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