Vikings close with 29 straight points to beat rival Packers as Wentz replaces injured Murray

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carson Wentz has had little time to practice with Minnesota’s voluminous playbook, a late arrival to the team last season who returned this year in more of a mentor role as Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy competed for the starting quarterback job in training camp.

The Vikings brought the 11th-year veteran back for emergencies like these.

Wentz came in after Murray’s first-quarter concussion in his Minnesota debut and led a spirited comeback against the rival Green Bay Packers, as the Vikings scored 29 straight points to close a 39-22 victory to open the season on Sunday.

“That’s why he’s here,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “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.”

Wentz had two touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson, matching the two-time All-Pro’s 2025 season total, and the pair connected on a 2-point conversion when the Vikings took their first lead at 25-22 with 6:37 remaining. Green Bay extended the drive three times with crushing defensive penalties.