Sam Bradford

Vikings' Sam Bradford (knee) expected to return to practice next week

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said that he anticipated quarterback Sam Bradford returning to practice as early as next week.

What It Means:

Bradford was placed on injured reserve back in early November. He has been rehabbing his knee injury and has remained around the team, but whether or not he'll play when he's healthy is a question mark. Teddy Bridgewater (knee) is also healthy and Case Keenum's been playing really well down the stretch. At the very least, Bradford would give them another option and more quarterback depth heading into the playoffs.

In just 2 games, Bradford has thrown for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns on 43 pass attempts this season. At 12-3, the Vikings have clinched the NFC North and could get a first-round bye with a win in Week 17.