The 6-1 Vikings turn Monday night over to Carson Wentz with Murray week-to-week

The Minnesota Vikings are 6-1 and leading the NFC North, and on Monday night against Buffalo their quarterback will be Carson Wentz. Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Thursday that Kyler Murray is out with a hamstring injury and is week-to-week.

Minnesota's account confirmed the plan: Wentz starts Monday, Murray is week-to-week. O'Connell told ESPN putting Murray on injured reserve is "not under consideration at all." Max Brosmer will back up Wentz, per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Why this lands now

Murray has started six games for Minnesota and ranks 26th of 30 qualified quarterbacks in QBR, ESPN reported. The Vikings have won anyway on defense. Wentz already started once this season, the Week 2 win over Chicago when Murray was in concussion protocol, and has three touchdowns and no interceptions on 23-of-39 passing in two appearances.

Adam Schefter reported the Wentz start while the team described Murray's issue as a "sore hamstring." Rapoport added that Murray's mobility would be limited and that playing could make it worse. For a team that has leaned on its defense all year, Monday night in Buffalo becomes a Wentz test with the division lead still theirs to hold.