Chicago Bears paying close attention to Vikings’ quarterback situation

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears paying close attention to Vikings’ quarterback situation

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 17, 2026 4:06 PM ET

The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings will be a classic strength vs. strength matchup. Chicago’s explosive offense versus Minnesota’s relentless defense. But the battle will look much different depending on who is playing quarterback for the Vikings.

Normally, Kyler Murray would be tabbed for the role after winning the starting job out of training camp. However, he suffered a concussion in Week 1. Carson Wentz came on in replacement, leading the Vikings to a 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Who will be under center in Week 2 is still up in the air. The Bears are looking to make vast defensive improvements after letting the Carolina Panthers score Week 1. Now, they must prepare for two completely quarterback scenarios.

Chicago will be paying close attention to Minnesota’s injury report throughout the week. On Wednesday, they got their first idea of where the Vikings stand.

Chicago Bears must be ready for Vikings QB duo

Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after a hard hit during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Murray will need to pass through the NFL concussion protocol in short order to be able to play in Week 2. But if he does, the Vikings plan to trot him out once more, via Dan Graziano of ESPN.

“Things seem straightforward for Minnesota. Based on what I’ve been able to gather, my sense is that Kyler Murray will start if he clears concussion protocol in time, and Carson Wentz is likely to start if Murray isn’t clear in time,” Graziano wrote. “This is more about the Vikings believing Wentz’s veteran experience puts them in better position with limited preparation time when a QB gets hurt in-game (as happened Sunday) and/or there’s uncertainty about who’s going to start throughout the week.”

At this stage of their careers, Murray gives the Vikings a more dynamic offense. But Wentz proved he still had plenty of gas left in the tank against the Packers, throwing for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Coming out of Week 1, the Bears can’t take any quarterback lightly. Whoever is under center on Sunday, Chicago’s defense must have a gameplan in place.

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

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