Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford will miss Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to head coach Mike Zimmer.
Bradford (knee) was not present at the open portion of practice on Friday. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Bradford’s knee did not respond well when he tested it at practice this week. The quarterback was limited in his activities on Wednesday and Thursday.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Bradford will be seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who operated on his torn ACLs in 2013 and 2014. Bradford said Wednesday that he had never dealt with an injury of this nature but wouldn’t delve into specifics. He hurt the knee on a non-contact play during the team’s Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Backup Case Keenum will again replace Bradford after going 20 of 37 with no touchdown passes last Sunday at Pittsburgh.
The Vikings had been preparing both quarterbacks for a potential start.
“The challenge,” said offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, “is to put together a plan that can attack the defense that you’re facing, and then within that plan, trying to utilize the plays that fit the skillset of the quarterback playing.”
Players and coaches had expressed optimism about Bradford’s status, but the latest reports add doubt as to when Bradford might return. “I don’t have a crystal ball,” said Zimmer. “I have no idea.”
Teddy Bridgewater could become an option in Week 7 when he is eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
