The Bears have decided they'll roll out rookie Mitchell Trubisky for his first NFL start Monday night. The Vikings have not made such a decision on their starting quarterback four days before kickoff, according to head coach Mike Zimmer.
Starter Sam Bradford practiced Thursday, however, for the first time since Sept. 21. Bradford, who was officially listed as limited, hasn't played since twisting his left knee in the Sept. 11 season-opening win vs. the Saints.
"If he's ready to play, he'll play," Zimmer said Thursday.
Within minutes of Zimmer's press conference, backup quarterback Case Keenum addressed reporters in the Winter Park locker room, when that week's starting quarterback typically talks with the media.
The Vikings hope to get Bradford back at full health and avoid a recurring issue, as Zimmer alluded Thursday when asked if Bradford's return is a matter of pain tolerance.
"Yeah, that's pretty much what it is," Zimmer said. "But I'm hoping it's not [an issue] throughout the season."
Keenum has led the Vikings offense through a 1-2 record in three games, struggling most recently against the Lions in a 14-7 loss.
Three Vikings — safety Andrew Sendejo (shoulder/illness), defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (back) and tackle Rashod Hill (knee) — didn't practice Thursday.
An illness is still going around the Vikings locker room with Sendejo and linebacker Eric Kendricks added to the injury report as sick this week. Kendricks was limited in Thursday's practice. Right tackle Mike Remmers and defensive end Stephen Weatherly were sick last week.