Sam Bradford expected to play vs. Steelers after knee MRI report
Sam Bradford of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass the ball in the first quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer believes quarterback Sam Bradford will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Friday morning, ESPN reported an injury to Bradford’s left knee required an MRI this week. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported the MRI taken on Tuesday was negative, but Bradford was experiencing pain and swelling.
Zimmer didn’t confirm the MRI at his Friday afternoon press conference, but said “I anticipate that he will” play.
Bradford’s left knee is the same knee that’s already required two ACL surgeries in his football career.
Bradford was on the field and making throws at Friday’s practice. He was listed as questionable for the game on the team's final injury report of the week.
Case Keenum is currently the No. 2 quarterback on the Vikings depth chart, with Teddy Bridgewater still on the physically unable to perform list, which will keep him out for the first six weeks of the season.
Bradford was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week following his opening week performance against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Bradford threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in route to a 29-19 Vikings win. In addition, he also threw for a career best 143.0 passer rating while posting a competition percentage of 84.4 percent.