EAGAN, Minn. — Kyler Murray will be sidelined for the Vikings Monday Night Football game with a hamstring strain, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday.

O'Connell announced Carson Wentz will start the prime-time contest in Murray's place. Max Brosmer will be Minnesota's backup quarterback.

"After evaluating Kyler on Monday, getting some imagery and things, we did determine he does have a hamstring strain," O'Connell said. "We don't believe it to be more than a week-to-week kind of thing right now, but for him, his movement skills and the way he plays the game, we do feel like we'd be putting him at risk of possibly turning this into a more significant injury than it is by trying to have him work through it here early on.

"Obviously there's a ton of confidence in Carson," O'Connell added. "He's already helped us — had a major role in two wins this year against two really good teams. He's a steady presence and a guy we know."

Wentz replaced Murray in Week 1 after the first-year Viking left the game early in concussion protocol and helped Minnesota mount a comeback victory against Green Bay. He started the following week at rain-soaked Chicago, helping Minnesota open with consecutive division wins.

Murray returned to the lineup in Week 3 and has started and played the entirety of the past five games.

The Vikings (6-1) are following an adjusted schedule in advance of Monday's game against the Bills (6-1) and will practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Wentz spoke with media members following Thursday's practice and said he feels "very comfortable" in the offense and is ready to go.

He emphasized the goal for Minnesota's offense this week is to stay on the field and sustain drives.

"It's been too inconsistent, even when I was playing early," Wentz said. "I thought we were too inconsistent with staying on the field, and our defense is playing lights-out, so I think we've gotta just find ways to stay on the field and keep [the defense] off the field — and be consistent with what we're doing. I'm excited to see that come to life this week."

Wentz additionally noted a focus on getting Justin Jefferson involved whenever possible.

"He's as good as it gets at his position, and … I want to get him the rock as much as anybody," Wentz said. "I look forward to trying to do that — without forcing it. We've got a bunch of talent on the offensive side of the ball, so my job is just to distribute it, and I'm confident he'll get his this week."

Asked about his role going forward, the veteran QB declined to look too far ahead.

"My goal is just to get a win, at the end of the day. This position's judged by wins and losses, and in this building, our goal is to win," Wentz said. "Whatever that takes, whatever that looks like, my job this week is to get a win, and we'll let the chips fall where they may as we go forward.

"I've enjoyed being here; I've enjoyed this offense, enjoyed this team, enjoyed working with Coach [O'Connell], and I'm excited for another opportunity," he added.

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