Story by
Vikings 6-1 Start at Risk as Kyler Murray's Health Remains Uncertain Before MNF
- Story by
- Vikings 6-1 Start at Risk as Kyler Murray's Health Remains Uncertain Before MNF
The Minnesota Vikings have been the surprise of the NFL through the first eight weeks of the 2026 season. At 6-1, they lead a hyper-competitive NFC North division. This has been done in large part by their tenacious defense.
That unit has allowed only 13.3 points per game, which makes for the best mark in the league. Through seven games, the most points they have allowed in a contest is 22.
Advertisement
With that said, the perception around them is that they are not a true contender and that they are not as good as a 6-1 team should be. The main reason for this is the play of first-year Viking quarterback Kyler Murray.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1)
Since coming over from the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, Murray has dealt with injury and struggled even with a good supporting cast. He is completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,022 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Advertisement
Murray is averaging a poor 6.6 yards per attempt, clearly not making the best use of vertical threats like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. After missing most of Week 1 with a concussion, he apparently now has a hamstring injury as November begins.
Kevin Seifert of ESPN talked with Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips on Tuesday. The OC said that Murray's health is uncertain at this point in time.
Murray has not been playing poorly enough to be benched outright, but if he is not 100% for Week 9 then it could be time for a change at QB. Veteran Carson Wentz is the QB2 on the roster at the moment.
Advertisement
For Minnesota, they will get an extra day this week to choose their starting quarterback. Their next game is Monday night at home against the Buffalo Bills. They admittedly do not have a great defense so far this year.
If it is Wentz who comes in to make that start, he has proved across the last couple of years that he has some good football left in him. When he came on in relief of Murray during Week 1, he completed 23-of-39 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
While playing through several injuries last season, Wentz was able to maintain a positive TD:INT ratio and a passer rating of 85.8 on 7.2 yards per attempt. The practice week will make this choice clearer for the coaching staff.
Advertisement
Related: Minnesota Vikings QB Trade Talk Misses the Bigger Problem
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
