Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is still expected to back up Vikings starter Case Keenum during Sunday's NFC divisional playoff against the Saints, league sources told the Star Tribune. However, head coach Mike Zimmer kept the door open for Sam Bradford to be activated for the first time since Oct. 9.
"I haven't made any decisions yet," Zimmer said while refuting a report from the Boston Globe that Bradford will suit up Sunday.
Bradford would first need to be activated from injured reserve. He has practiced five times in recent weeks following Nov. 7 arthroscopic surgery to clean up his left knee. When asked if Bradford would be ready to play for the Vikings if needed, Zimmer said "I think so."
"It's kind of hard to judge with five practices," Zimmer said. "He's working in, but he's got a way to go still."
Bridgewater said he didn't know who the backup quarterback is for Sunday, adding "some things you don't talk about." By NFL rule, the Vikings have another week in the 21-day window to practice Bradford before needing to elevate him to the active roster or shut him down.
"It's kind of hard to get reps when you're getting your starter ready," Zimmer said. "When you got 40 reps in a practice and (Bradford) gets five and Bridgewater gets five. Want to talk about the Saints?"
