Hamstring injury sidelines Kyler Murray as Carson Wentz takes over as Vikings' starting quarterback

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Thursday that Carson Wentz will start at quarterback in the team's next game. Max Brosmer will serve as the backup, and Kyler Murray will sit out this week.

At the start of the week, however, O'Connell had stood by Murray. Even with the season's first loss still fresh, the coach was asked whether Murray would start against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football if he overcame his sore hamstring. O'Connell answered without hesitation: "Yes."

In Thursday's announcement, O'Connell said that after Murray was evaluated on Monday and underwent imaging, it was determined that he has a hamstring strain. The coach said it looks for now like a week-to-week matter, but given Murray's movement-based style of play, trying to play through it would risk turning it into a more significant injury.

Performance, as well as the injury, sits behind the decision, according to the report. Since joining the Vikings in March on a one-year contract, Murray has not played to expectations. He has thrown five touchdown passes in six games, tied for 29th in the NFL.

The team's passing numbers are also weak. The Vikings are averaging 165 passing yards per game, 31st in the league, and the offense as a whole is 27th, averaging 20 points per game.

Even so, a strong defense has carried the Vikings to a 6-1 record and the top of the NFC North. They have allowed just 93 points all season, the lowest mark in the league.

Stepping into the starting role is not new for Wentz. After Murray suffered a concussion in the regular-season opener, Wentz stepped in, led a comeback win in that game, and then helped the team win the one game he started after that, a gritty 9-3 victory against the Chicago Bears.

"There's a ton of confidence in Carson," O'Connell said on Thursday.

Signs of the change had appeared after the 19-15 loss to Detroit. Receiver Justin Jefferson was clearly frustrated after that game; the usually affable player left the locker room without talking to reporters.

O'Connell said afterwards that he did not fault the frustration or the competitiveness in any way. But he also pointed to Murray's inability to maximise opportunities to Jefferson, mentioning attempts that were missed a little high and play-pass chances that were not seen or not taken.