LB Kendricks unsure when he'll return, just listening to his body

Vikings rookie middle linebacker Eric Kendricks wouldn't offer any details about his injured ribs or when he might return to the field.

Kendricks spoke to the media on a quiet Monday at Winter Park, his first appearance since suffering the injury in the Vikings' 23-20 victory at Chicago in Week 8.

He missed practice all last week and was inactive for Sunday's 21-18 overtime victory against the St. Louis Rams.

"I'm feeling good, but I'm still going to take it day-by-day," Kendricks said. "I'm doing my best to get better. I'm in treatment every day. I'm listening to my body at this point … That's all I can say."

When asked if his ribs are broken, Kendricks said "I'm not allowed to discuss my injuries."

The Vikings lost backup middle linebacker Audie Cole for the season with a broken right ankle on Sunday. Cole started the game in place of the injured Kendricks. Strongside linebacker Anthony Barr finished Sunday's game, but left the locker room with a cast on his left arm.

Kendricks said he thought Barr played well on Sunday, but wouldn't comment on his teammate's injury.

"It's very hard to sit out," Kendricks said. "You watch your team that you practice with and you go to battle with play. It's extremely hard to watch that, but they did a great job and they came out with a passion and that's why we win games."

Kendricks has 42 tackles and four sacks in seven games, and has one Rookie of the Week honor and another nomination.