The Minnesota Vikings (6-1) will start veteran quarterback Carson Wentz against the Buffalo Bills (6-1) on Monday Night Football in Week 9 after Kyler Murray was diagnosed with a hamstring strain. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Thursday that Murray is considered week-to-week and the team did not want to risk a more significant injury. Max Brosmer will serve as Wentz's backup.
Wentz, 33, will make his second start of the season. He previously filled in for Murray after a Week 1 concussion, throwing for 133 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-19 passing in a 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers, then started a 9-3 victory at the Chicago Bears in Week 2, completing 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards. O'Connell expressed confidence in Wentz's steadying presence. Murray has struggled in O'Connell's scheme, posting a -0.11 expected points added per dropback, the fifth-worst in the NFL. The Vikings offense has scored just 12 touchdowns in seven games, the fewest for a 6-1 team through seven games since Washington in 1982. The Bills defense enters the week allowing the third-most passing yards per game in the league at 254.7.
