Any hope given to the idea that Sam Bradford would play Sunday against the Detroit Lions can now pretty much be thrown out the window.
Bradford was absent from practice again on Thursday, a clear indication that he will not be able to go after missing the past two games with a bone bruise in the knee.
Injuries: Sam Bradford not present at start of Vikings practice today https://t.co/pHPOAUsPPA pic.twitter.com/L6AOH6Cgvv
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 28, 2017
This comes a less than 24 hours after Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer called Bradford day-to-day and wouldn’t rule him out for Week 4.
Mike Zimmer said Sam Bradford is back in building and he had a nice talk with him today. Said he's still day to day. Doesn't know when plays
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 25, 2017
At this point, it is safe to conclude that the Vikings themselves are not being forthright about the extent of Bradford’s injury. He’s pretty much been day-to-day since suffering the injury back in Week 1. It also came on a non-contact play, which should be of utmost concern.
Without Bradford under center in Week 3, backup Case Keenum completed 25-of-33 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns in a blowout win over Tampa Bay.
Though, there is very little reason to believe this team can contend if Bradford himself is sidelined for an extended period of time. Either way, Sunday is looking like a no go for Bradford.