NFL Player News

Stafford (ankle) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Per Kyle Meinke of MLive.com, Stafford was clearly favoring his right leg at Wednesday's practice, but his throwing power and accuracy nonetheless appeared to be intact. The veteran quarterback may have limited mobility Sunday in New Orleans, but it seems only a major setback at practice could actually threaten his availability for the game. In addition to the favorable matchup, Stafford may benefit from the potential return of No. 3 receiver Kenny Golladay (hamstring), who was back at practice Wednesday as a limited participant.

Bradford (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bradford returned from a three-game absence for Monday's 20-17 win over the Bears, only to be removed at halftime after aggravating his knee during a brutal first half in which his sack yards (35) nearly matched his passing yards (36). Although an MRI on Tuesday failed to reveal additional damage, it's clear Bradford's bone bruise is far from being fully healed. He seems like a long shot to play in Sunday's game against the Packers, though Vikings brass has thus far stopped shy of acknowledging as much. Bradford previously admitted that his knee may not get back to 100 percent until the offseason, potentially opening the door for Case Keenum or Teddy Bridgewater (knee) to take over the starting gig for the rest of the year. Bridgewater could resume practicing as soon as next week.

Orlovsky submitted a blog post at SportsSpectrum.com on Wednesday indicating that he has decided to retire from professional football.

After failing to win a backup gig with the Rams during training camp, Orlovsky became a free agent and was unable to drum up much interest elsewhere, which likely influenced his decision to step away from the game. The 34-year-old was a veteran of 12 NFL seasons, but only made 23 career appearances over five campaigns, splitting time with the Lions, Colts and Buccaneers.

The Vikings will reevaluate Bridgewater (knee) on Oct. 16, at which point it could be determined if he's ready to return to practice, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Bridgewater appears to be nearing the end of a long recovery process from the gruesome left knee injury he suffered in August 2016, which required the quarterback to undergo surgery to address a dislocated kneecap, ACL tear and additional ligament damage. Though Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has remained steadfast in his belief that Bridgewater will rejoin the active roster at some point in 2017, it's unclear if the 2014 first-round pick will ever be the same player following an extensive rehab from a debilitating injury. If Bridgewater's surgeon clears him for practice, the Vikings would activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list and have three weeks to determine whether to move him to the 53-man roster or to end his season by shuttling him to injured reserve. Given the uncertain health of incumbent starter Sam Bradford (knee), Bridgewater could make a push for the No. 1 gig if he shows limited rustiness upon returning to practice, though high-performing Case Keenum still lingers as another roadblock in Bridgewater's move up the depth chart.

Vikings athletic trainer Eric Sugarman said Tuesday that Bradford (knee) underwent a follow-up MRI following Monday's win over the Bears, which revealed no additional damage, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Bradford remains day-to-day, with Sugarman classifying the quarterback's injury as "wear and tear," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com.

After missing the Vikings' previous three games while enduring complications with his surgically repaired left knee -- which he tore in 2013 and 2014 -- Bradford returned to the starting lineup Monday but appeared highly uncomfortable and immobile in the pocket. Bradford completed just five of 11 passes for 36 yards and was sacked four times in the first half before departing after aggravating the left knee injury, resulting in backup Case Keenum finishing out the contest and performing far more effectively than his predecessor. After Bradford's poor showing Monday, Sugarman declined to say when he expected the quarterback to return to action, but more clarification on that front should come when Bradford is reevaluated ahead of Wednesday's practice. Though Bradford completed an NFL record 72 percent of his passes a season ago while throwing just five interceptions and dazzled in the Vikings' Week 1 victory over the Saints, his ongoing knee problems and the subsequent success of Keenum in recent weeks could result in a quarterback controversy when both signal callers are healthy. Adding a further wrinkle is the potential return of former starter Teddy Bridgewater (knee), who will be evaluated next week and could be cleared to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list and return to practice.

Trubisky completed 12 of 25 passes for 128 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Monday night's 20-17 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed three times for 22 yards and a lost a fumble.

Trubisky's debut included a brilliantly designed two-point conversion run as well. With little help from a bare cupboard of targets, though, Trubisky was unable to stretch the field, completing just one pass of 20-plus yards. While that happened to be his first career touchdown, Trubisky's toss only found tight end Zach Miller after being tipped by a defender. The North Carolina product also committed a pair of turnovers, including an interception deep in his own territory that set up Minnesota's game-winning field goal. Although Monday's outcome didn't go his way, Trubisky will hope to apply what he learned and show improvement at the Ravens this Sunday.

Keenum replaced an injured Sam Bradford (knee) in the second quarter of Monday's 20-17 win at Chicago and was 17 of 21 passing for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Bradford aggravated a knee injury, and his status for next week is in doubt, making it look likely Keenum will start against Green Bay. However, a decision on Minnesota's starting quarterback may not come until later in the week. Keenum bounced back from a disappointing performance last week against Detroit as he made several big plays in the second half to lead the team to a win.

Bradford has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday's game against the Bears after appearing to aggravate his injured left knee, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times reports.

Bradford had been struggling to get anything going offensively all night, although it's fair to wonder if his performance was compromised by his physical condition. Now that he's been pulled for the game, Case Keenum will take the reins of the Vikings offense.

Bradford (knee) is active for Monday's contest in Chicago, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribunereports.

Bradford preceded his first game action since Week 1 with limited practices both Thursday and Friday. Head coach Mike Zimmer was coy with Bradford's potential to return after Friday's session, but he revealed Sunday evening that he expected the veteran quarterback to play Monday, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. After taking part in pregame warmups for the first time since Week 2, Bradford indeed will make his second start of the season against the Bears' 12th-ranked pass defense.

Head coach Jack Del Rio said Monday that he believes Carr (back) will return to action Sunday versus the Chargers, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

After suffering a transverse process fracture in his back in Week 4, Carr was handed a 2-to-6 week timetable to return. He appeared to expedite his recovery with limited participation in each practice last week and receiving a questionable designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens. Ultimately, he was termed inactive, but another week of rehab and reps will seemingly aid in Carr's ability to play. His activity level at Wednesday's practice will give a decent indication of his odds to suit up this Sunday.