Kyler Murray out with concussion so door opens for Carson Wentz as Vikings' new starter – perhaps for a while

The Minnesota Vikings and their quarterback hijinks are at it again, as Carson Wentz will start Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears because Kyler Murray remains in the concussion protocol and J.J.

McCarthy remains at the back of the depth chart.

Coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters that Murray, who suffered a concussion in the regular-season opener against the Green Bay Packers, is still working his way back to health.

So, it's Wentz time again.

2026 NFL SEASON PREDICTIONS: DIVISION WINNERS, PLAYOFF TEAMS AND SUPER BOWL PICK REVEALED We say again because the Vikings had Wentz starting last season in Weeks 3 through 8 when then-starter McCarthy was out with an ankle injury.

Wentz went down in Week 8 and that, as much as McCarthy's recovery, thrust the Vikings 2024 first-round back into the starting lineup.

And here we are again.

With Wentz surprisingly being promoted from the No.

3 quarterback during training camp, to No.

2 ahead of McCarthy prior to last week's opener, then to the starter on Sunday at Chicago.

And all the while, McCarthy remains on the bench despite having been involved in a competition for the starting job against Murray.

This all suggests things: It shows the Vikings promoted Wentz because they thought he was more experienced than McCarthy, yes, but also better.

That becomes clear because, again, it is Wentz starting ahead of a healthy McCarthy this weekend.

It also suggests Wentz has an opportunity going forward.