Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz could start Monday against the Buffalo Bills.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “the trend is for” Wentz to replace Kyler Murray, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Vikings will host the Bills in a battle of two one-loss teams, a good opportunity for Wentz to show he is a better option than Murray to run the Vikings offense. The 33-year-old journeyman led Minnesota to a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, throwing three touchdown passes.
In six games, Murray has totaled 1,022 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. Excluding the season opener, where he went out with a concussion, the eight-year pro has completed fewer than 59 percent of his passes in three of his five starts.
The Athletic pointed out that Murray is “constantly late” in his reads, which has hurt his accuracy. The Vikings could bench him in favor of Wentz in the future and pursue a young, veteran signal-caller, like San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones.
If the Vikings move forward with Murray or Wentz, they should upgrade their rushing attack to 17th to take pressure off the quarterback. Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are serviceable, but the former will turn 32 in December and the latter is currently averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
Like several other teams, the Vikings should look at available premier running backs, although it also makes sense to add veteran quarterback insurance, since Murray is ineffective when healthy and is now nursing an injury.
Potential business targets: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Breece Hall, QB Mac Jones
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