NFL Player News

Bradford (knee) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The absence marks Bradford's second in a row after aggravating the bone bruise in his left knee Monday in Chicago. In a post-practice media session Thursday, head coach Mike Zimmer wouldn't comment on Bradford's status, lending credence to the fact the quarterback is unlikely to suit up Sunday against the Packers. If Bradford is deemed inactive for the fourth time in five games this weekend, the Vikings will again trust in Case Keenum to direct the offense.

Bradford (knee) wasn't on the field for the beginning of Thursday's practice and wasn't expected to participate in the session, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Vikings should relay later Thursday if Bradford was involved in practice in any capacity, but if the quarterback was in fact unavailable for the second straight session, his odds of playing Sunday against the Packers would take a hit. Bradford was visibly limited by the knee injury during his return from a three-game hiatus in Monday's win over the Bears, but was pulled just before halftime after aggravating the left knee injury. Case Keenum performed superbly over the final two quarters and looks on track to make his fourth start of the season in Week 6.

Carr (back) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Per Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News, Carr said Wednesday that he expects to play in Sunday's game against the Chargers, which jibes with what coach Jack Del Rio said Monday. The quarterback even suggested that he might have played in last Sunday's 30-17 loss to the Ravens if it were his decision, hinting that the Oakland coaches and/or the team's medical stuff didn't give him clearance. While Carr's optimism is a good sign, there will still be doubt surrounding his Week 6 availability if he doesn't log a full practice by the end of the week. He was a limited practice participant all last week and was listed as questionable on the final injury report. Of course, a quick return likely would put him at greater risk of aggravating the transverse process fracture in his back.

While Mariota (hamstring) has expressed some confidence that he'll be able to play Monday against the Colts, he acknowledged Wednesday that he's still taking it "day-by-day," Jason Wolf of The Tennessean reports.

With that in mind, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site relays that Titans head coach Mike Mularkey noted that the quarterback is doing more at this stage than he did last week. That said, Mariota still has to prove that he can move around well enough to draw the Monday starting assignment.

Stafford (ankle) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, Stafford was clearly favoring his right leg at Wednesday's practice, but his throwing power and accuracy nonetheless appeared to be intact. The veteran quarterback may have limited mobility Sunday in New Orleans, but it seems only a major setback at practice could actually threaten his availability for the game. In addition to the favorable matchup, Stafford may benefit from the potential return of No. 3 receiver Kenny Golladay (hamstring), who was back at practice Wednesday as a limited participant.

Bradford (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bradford returned from a three-game absence for Monday's 20-17 win over the Bears, only to be removed at halftime after aggravating his knee during a brutal first half in which his sack yards (35) nearly matched his passing yards (36). Although an MRI on Tuesday failed to reveal additional damage, it's clear Bradford's bone bruise is far from being fully healed. He seems like a long shot to play in Sunday's game against the Packers, though Vikings brass has thus far stopped shy of acknowledging as much. Bradford previously admitted that his knee may not get back to 100 percent until the offseason, potentially opening the door for Case Keenum or Teddy Bridgewater (knee) to take over the starting gig for the rest of the year. Bridgewater could resume practicing as soon as next week.

Orlovsky submitted a blog post at SportsSpectrum.com on Wednesday indicating that he has decided to retire from professional football.

After failing to win a backup gig with the Rams during training camp, Orlovsky became a free agent and was unable to drum up much interest elsewhere, which likely influenced his decision to step away from the game. The 34-year-old was a veteran of 12 NFL seasons, but only made 23 career appearances over five campaigns, splitting time with the Lions, Colts and Buccaneers.

The Vikings will reevaluate Bridgewater (knee) on Oct. 16, at which point it could be determined if he's ready to return to practice, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Bridgewater appears to be nearing the end of a long recovery process from the gruesome left knee injury he suffered in August 2016, which required the quarterback to undergo surgery to address a dislocated kneecap, ACL tear and additional ligament damage. Though Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has remained steadfast in his belief that Bridgewater will rejoin the active roster at some point in 2017, it's unclear if the 2014 first-round pick will ever be the same player following an extensive rehab from a debilitating injury. If Bridgewater's surgeon clears him for practice, the Vikings would activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list and have three weeks to determine whether to move him to the 53-man roster or to end his season by shuttling him to injured reserve. Given the uncertain health of incumbent starter Sam Bradford (knee), Bridgewater could make a push for the No. 1 gig if he shows limited rustiness upon returning to practice, though high-performing Case Keenum still lingers as another roadblock in Bridgewater's move up the depth chart.

Vikings athletic trainer Eric Sugarman said Tuesday that Bradford (knee) underwent a follow-up MRI following Monday's win over the Bears, which revealed no additional damage, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Bradford remains day-to-day, with Sugarman classifying the quarterback's injury as "wear and tear," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com.

After missing the Vikings' previous three games while enduring complications with his surgically repaired left knee -- which he tore in 2013 and 2014 -- Bradford returned to the starting lineup Monday but appeared highly uncomfortable and immobile in the pocket. Bradford completed just five of 11 passes for 36 yards and was sacked four times in the first half before departing after aggravating the left knee injury, resulting in backup Case Keenum finishing out the contest and performing far more effectively than his predecessor. After Bradford's poor showing Monday, Sugarman declined to say when he expected the quarterback to return to action, but more clarification on that front should come when Bradford is reevaluated ahead of Wednesday's practice. Though Bradford completed an NFL record 72 percent of his passes a season ago while throwing just five interceptions and dazzled in the Vikings' Week 1 victory over the Saints, his ongoing knee problems and the subsequent success of Keenum in recent weeks could result in a quarterback controversy when both signal callers are healthy. Adding a further wrinkle is the potential return of former starter Teddy Bridgewater (knee), who will be evaluated next week and could be cleared to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list and return to practice.

Trubisky completed 12 of 25 passes for 128 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Monday night's 20-17 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed three times for 22 yards and a lost a fumble.

Trubisky's debut included a brilliantly designed two-point conversion run as well. With little help from a bare cupboard of targets, though, Trubisky was unable to stretch the field, completing just one pass of 20-plus yards. While that happened to be his first career touchdown, Trubisky's toss only found tight end Zach Miller after being tipped by a defender. The North Carolina product also committed a pair of turnovers, including an interception deep in his own territory that set up Minnesota's game-winning field goal. Although Monday's outcome didn't go his way, Trubisky will hope to apply what he learned and show improvement at the Ravens this Sunday.