ESPN: Mike Zimmer “Anticipates” Sam Bradford Will Start Monday

Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Sam Bradford continues to be the story for the purple leading up to Monday night’s contest against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Now, after a few days of speculation, it appears that head coach Mike Zimmer may have tipped his hand. . .or that ESPN tipped it for him.

Courtney Cronin, who now covers the Vikings for ESPN, has reported that Zimmer informed the ESPN staff in a production meeting on Sunday that he “anticipates” Bradford will start.

Bradford has not played since Week 1, after he had a phenomenal performance against the New Orleans Saints in a game that only saw him get hit two times. Despite the lack of contact he had in that one, he was ruled out of the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but not until pre-game warmups.

Bradford returned to practice this week (after not having practiced since 21 September) and was a full participant in Saturday’s practice after being limited earlier in the week.

Minnesota’s offense has been up-and-down since Bradford got injured, with Case Keenum having both moments of brilliance and moments of. . .well, not-so-brilliance. But with the loss of Dalvin Cook for the remainder of the season due to injury, and with no disrespect intended to Keenum, it would be much better for the Vikings going forward if Sam Bradford was healthy enough to resume his starting position.

There’s no doubt that Bradford will be checked out in pre-game once again, but from the sound of things, we should probably anticipate #8 leading this offense once again on Monday night.