The Minnesota Vikings probably didn’t expect to need Carson Wentz this quickly.

They’re certainly glad they have him.

After Kyler Murray left Sunday’s opener against Green Bay with a concussion, Wentz stepped into the huddle and helped turn what looked like a disappointing start into a 39–22 Vikings victory.

Now Minnesota may need him again.

With Murray in concussion protocol, Wentz could be called upon to start Sunday when the Vikings travel to Soldier Field for an early NFC North showdown with the Chicago Bears.

And after what we saw in Week 1, this suddenly looks like a fascinating matchup.

Wentz Was Ready When Minnesota Needed Him

Wentz didn’t simply manage the game against Green Bay.

He changed it.

The veteran completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions after replacing Murray.

More importantly, he looked comfortable.

Minnesota scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions with Wentz at quarterback to finish the game, turning a 22–10 deficit into a 39–22 victory.

That’s exactly why teams value having an experienced backup quarterback.

Wentz has been around long enough that entering a divisional game unexpectedly isn’t going to overwhelm him.

Now the challenge is doing it again when the opponent has a full week to prepare for him.

Chicago Presents a Much Different Challenge

If there was one Week 1 performance that grabbed everyone’s attention, it was Chicago scoring 59 points against Carolina.

Caleb Williams and the Bears offense looked explosive.

That makes Sunday’s matchup particularly interesting.

If Chicago’s offense starts quickly again, Minnesota may not have the luxury of asking Wentz to simply protect the football and lean on the defense.

The Vikings might need points.

That means Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Minnesota’s running game will need to make life easier for whoever starts at quarterback.

This Is Why You Sign a Veteran Backup

The Vikings didn’t bring Wentz in because they expected him to become the face of the franchise.

They brought him in for moments like this.

The NFL season rarely goes according to plan, especially at quarterback.

Minnesota already learned that lesson in Week 1.

Murray’s health obviously comes first, and if he’s cleared to play, the decision becomes simple.

But if he isn’t?

The Vikings know they have a quarterback who has already walked into a difficult situation and delivered.

Can He Do It Again?

One great relief appearance doesn’t suddenly create a quarterback controversy.

Murray remains Minnesota’s starter when healthy.

But Wentz now has an opportunity to prove Sunday’s comeback wasn’t simply a great moment.

The Vikings are 1–0.

The Bears are 1–0.

It’s an NFC North game at Soldier Field, where Minnesota has won six straight.

And if Murray isn’t ready, Carson Wentz may be the guy asked to keep that streak, and Minnesota’s perfect start, alive.

For a quarterback who wasn’t expecting to play in Week 1, that’s quite an opportunity.