When the Vikings beat New Orleans 29-19 in the regular-season opener, Sam Bradford threw for 346 yards and was named NFC offensive player of the week. But there’s no indication Bradford will be any sort of factor when the teams meet Sunday in a divisional playoff.
Bradford, who hasn’t played since Oct. 9 because of a knee injury, remains on injured reserve. The quarterback practiced last week for the first time in three months, but Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer indicated Monday there’s no hurry to activate him.
“We had two days of practice and he got about one-third of the reps, so we’ll just take our time and see how it goes,’’ Zimmer said.
Case Keenum will start Sunday’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Teddy Bridgewater is expected to be his backup even though Zimmer wouldn’t tip his hand.
“You’ll have to wait until Sunday,’’ Zimmer said.
Bradford is eligible now to be activated. If the Vikings make the Super Bowl, the last possible day they could make a decision on him would be Jan. 23.
ELFLEIN TO RETURN
Vikings center Pat Elflein said he will return Sunday after missing the Dec. 31 regular-season finale against Chicago because of a shoulder injury.
“I’ll be good to go,’’ he said. “It’s not fun watching your brothers compete, but this week I’m back and I’m ready to roll.’’
With Elflein out against the Bears, Joe Berger moved from right guard to start at center. Mike Remmers then went from right tackle to right guard and Rashod Hill was inserted at right tackle.
The Vikings, who had a light practice Monday, have not revealed a determination on their offensive line configuration for Sunday. Berger could return to right guard or it’s possible he could move to left guard in place of Jeremiah Sirles.
Sirles took over at left guard against the Bears after Nick Easton suffered a fractured ankle Dec. 23 at Green Bay, sidelining him for the season.
Also lost for the season against the Packers was long snapper Kevin McDermott, who suffered a dislocated left shoulder. McDermott, who originally had hoped to avoid an operation, underwent surgery Monday.
“Surgery was a success and I’m on the mend,” McDermott wrote on Twitter.
FORBATH FACES FORMER TEAM
Vikings kicker Kai Forbath played 10 games for the Saints in 2015. He’s happy, though, now to be in Minnesota.
“I had a good run there,’’ Forbath said. “It was fun playing for (the Saints). The city was awesome, great fans. But, like I’ve always said, this is my favorite team to play for and I’m happy to be here now.’’
Forbath will play his second game with Jeff Overbaugh as his long snapper. Overbaugh took over for McDermott against the Bears, and there were no issues.
“He’s doing a great job coming in last-minute,’’ Forbath said. “(It’s) very comfortable. … I don’t have any doubts that (the snap is) going to be there.’’
Zimmer was asked his level of confidence in Forbath entering the playoffs
“Good,’’ he said. “We got the crystal ball on our side.’’
BRIEFLY
–Chicago named former Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as head coach Monday. Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator George Edwards both interviewed last week for the position to replace John Fox. Shurmur also met with Arizona, Detroit and the New York Giants while Edwards has yet to have any other interview.
–Saints fullback Zach Line played for the Vikings from 2013-16. Line, who scored a touchdown in New Orleans’ 31-26 wild-card playoff win Sunday over Carolina, was not re-signed by Minnesota after becoming a free agent, “He had a hip surgery that he wasn’t able to go with and he wasn’t going to be ready until training camp, so we moved on,’’ Zimmer said.
–South St. Paul’s Chad Sexauer has been nominated by the Vikings for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award. Each NFL team nominates a candidate who who displays character and integrity, leadership and dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success. Sexauer will attend the Jan. 28 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla., where the winner will be named. The two finalists each receive $15,000, with $10,000 going to each of their schools.
