The Minnesota Vikings secured a 39-22 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday after backup quarterback Carson Wentz engineered a late first-half surge following an injury to starting QB Kyler Murray.
Murray exited early with a concussion after a hard hit by Packers defender Javon Bullard, leaving Wentz to take over with Minnesota trailing 22-10 in the third quarter. Wentz completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Vikings to score 29 unanswered points in the final frame.
Wentz earns $100K bonus for win
Wentz’s performance triggered a financial bonus outlined in his contract. According to Spotrac, he earned $100,000 for playing at least 60% of the team’s offensive snaps in a victory, with the bonus capped at six wins per season. An additional $150,000 is available for each subsequent win, up to six. Wentz played 60% of Minnesota’s snaps in the game.
The win marked Wentz’s first start for the Vikings, who signed him in the offseason after selecting J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wentz had previously appeared in five games for Minnesota last season, throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Murray’s rough debut ends in concussion protocol
Murray’s first game with the Vikings lasted less than one quarter. On the team’s third possession, he scrambled and was hit by Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness, followed by a secondary blow to the neck and head from Bullard. Murray’s helmet flew off, and he exhibited a fencing response—an involuntary body posture often associated with head trauma. He was ruled out and entered the NFL concussion protocol, leaving his availability for Week 2 uncertain.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Wentz’s composure under pressure. “That’s why he’s here,” O’Connell said in a postgame press conference. “For him to come in and do what he did and just be part of that calming presence that allowed our team to continue playing—I can’t say enough about him.”
Game timeline and key plays
- First quarter: Murray threw an interception on Minnesota’s second offensive play, his first pass in a Vikings uniform.
- Third quarter: Murray left the game after the hit by Bullard; Packers led 22-10.
- Fourth quarter: Vikings scored 29 unanswered points, including three Wentz touchdown passes, to secure the win.
- Penalty: Bullard was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play leading to Murray’s injury.
Murray’s status for the Vikings’ Week 2 road game against the Chicago Bears remains unclear as the team awaits further concussion evaluation.