Sam Bradford could be on the verge of returning for the Vikings after what’s been a longer-than-expected absence. Mike Zimmer told ESPN (via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press) on Sunday night he anticipates his starting quarterback will be ready to reclaim the reins Monday.
The Minnesota starter took most of the first-team reps this week in practice, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com called Bradford “increasingly likely” to suit up against the Bears. But Zimmer as of Saturday had no update on his starter.
It appears Bradford will be ready to return from his knee injury and suit up for the second time on a Monday-night game. Case Keenum started the past three weeks for the Vikes, and the team has gone 1-2 in that span. In Bradford’s one start thus far this season, he completed 27 of 32 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns. So his presence stands to elevate the Vikings’ hopes considerably.
While Bradford could well return Monday night, this left knee problem will obviously be something to monitor for a while considering he tore that ACL twice as a pro.