Chicago Bears officially learn Minnesota Vikings’ QB fate

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears officially learn Minnesota Vikings’ QB fate

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 18, 2026 6:03 PM ET

Preparing to take on the Minnesota Vikings is a difficult test as is. But heading into the Week 2 matchup, the Chicago Bears had to be ready for two potential quarterback outcomes.

Now, the Bears know exactly who they’ll be facing on Sunday. With Kyler Murray ruled out with a concussion, the Vikings will have Carson Wentz under center in Week 2, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told Minnesota media that Kyler Murray (concussion) has been ruled out,” Biggs wrote. “That means Carson Wentz starts Sunday at Soldier Field.”

Murray is working his way back from the concussion he suffered in Week 1. While he was able to get some work in at practice, he still needs to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in order to play. Minnesota will give their QB1 at least one more week to heal up.

Based on their defensive performance in the season opener, the Bears can’t take any quarterback lightly. At the very least, they at least know who they should be shifting their focus to.

Chicago Bears preparing for Carson Wentz battle

Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs off the field after the win against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

When Murray went down in Week 1, Wentz came in and helped lead the Vikings to a 39-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The quarterback completed 12-of-19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Wentz may no longer be the quarterback he was at the beginning of his career. But he is still an established veteran with 99 NFL starts to his name. At the very least, he isn’t going to be thrown off by the pressure of the bright lights.

Perhaps more importantly, Wentz has a full understand of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense. That’s why he was named the backup over JJ McCarthy. His Week 1 performance proved he has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Whoever wins the Week 2 matchup will gain major NFC North ground. The Bears must now go through Wentz to continue their rise.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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