The Vikings have reeled off four consecutive victories despite injuries to several starters, but keeping their streak going won't be easy without their first-string quarterback.
Thankfully, early indications are that Teddy Bridgewater will be back this weekend.
Bridgewater, who suffered a concussion during Sunday's 21-18 victory over the St. Louis Rams, passed the first test in the NFL's concussion protocol. If he can finish a strenuous workout without any lingering effects, he will be cleared to start against the Oakland Raiders. Coach Mike Zimmer is optimistic Bridgewater will be ready by Sunday.
"He should be good to go, I think," Zimmer said.
Zimmer gave his players the day off after their hard-fought overtime victory, so he did not get a chance to talk to Bridgewater on Monday. Rookie right tackle T.J. Clemmings said Bridgewater appeared to be doing relatively well immediately after the win.
"He was being his regular self, giving everybody hugs, high-fiving and congratulating everybody," Clemmings said. "So he's good."
Bridgewater appeared to get knocked out cold in the fourth quarter by an illegal hit by Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. As Bridgewater slid down after a scramble for a first down, Joyner hit Bridgewater in the head with his left shoulder. Joyner was penalized for a personal foul and should soon be writing a check to the league.
After the game, left guard Brandon Fusco called the hit "cheap," an assessment Zimmer agreed with. A day later, Zimmer was still irritated by the antics of the Rams, who also took down Bridgewater with a low and late hit by defensive end Williams Hayes that was not flagged.