Why Carson Wentz is Playing QB Tonight, Not Kyler Murray

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NFL insider Mike Florio argued a quarterback trade for the Minnesota Vikings is dependent on one thing with Carson Wentz.

Carson Wentz has done a lot of winning in his football life.

That includes during his college career with the NDSU Bison, as well as his first professional tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wentz is a long way removed from both parts of that path, but he’s now getting another big opportunity on Monday Night Football.

Kyler Murray is the usual starting QB for the Minnesota Vikings. He’s not starting on Monday night.

Wentz is.

The Vikings are facing off with the Buffalo Bills, who are led by superstar QB Josh Allen, a former MVP. Wentz is going to have a tough role in trying to ensure Minnesota can remain close on the scoreboard with Buffalo.

But it’s an opportunity for Wentz anyway. It’s not a given that he starts at this point in his career. So the chance to do it in prime time is a big deal for the Bison legend.

Why is Carson Wentz Starting?

Carson Wentz quarterback Minnesota Vikings — GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 20: Carson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of the game at Soldier Field on September 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

Wentz is starting on Monday night because Murray is hurt.

Murray was diagnosed with a Grade 2 Hamstring Strain.

The interesting aspect here is that Murray wasn’t playing particularly well. It had been suggested that Minnesota might consider a QB trade before Tuesday’s deadline.

That could still come to pass, but at least for now, Murray is simply out with an injury as Wentz gets the start.

Wentz got one start earlier this year. He won it. He has thrown three touchdowns and not yet thrown an interception on the year.