The Minnesota Vikings are heading into Week 2 expecting injured quarterback Sam Bradford to start behind center against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters as much on Friday, just minutes after it was reported that the Vikings were optimistic but concerned about Bradford’s availability.
Mike Zimmer says he anticipates Sam Bradford will play on Sunday.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 15, 2017
The reason for concern is that Bradford’s twice-surgically repaired left knee was reportedly swollen and he was dealing with discomfort. An MRI was done on the left knee, and thankfully for Bradford and the Vikings it came back negative with no structural damage.
Obviously this is great news for the Vikings. Bradford made NFL history with his spectacular performance on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints. Passing for 346 yards while completing 84.38 percent of his attempts and throwing three touchdowns, Bradford was unconscious.
The Vikings will be on the road for an early Sunday game at Heinz Field, where Pittsburgh’s defense has been known to be unkind to visiting quarterbacks.