MINNEAPOLIS -- A short week isn’t expected to derail the Teddy Bridgewater show when it hits the road Thursday.
After passing for 317 yards, most by a Vikings rookie quarterback in his starting debut, Bridgewater sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 41-28 victory over Atlanta at TCF Stadium.
Although Bridgewater didn’t practice Monday, coach Mike Zimmer said he’s “hopeful” he will be ready for Thursday night’s nationally televised game against archrival Green Bay.
“He’s doing a lot better,” Zimmer said.
Zimmer said an MRI taken Sunday night came back negative. X-rays taken during the game also were negative.
“He’s moving much better,” Zimmer said.
Bridgewater twisted his ankle with 10:50 remaining, on a 1-yard run that set up fourth and goal at the Falcons’ 1-yard line. He stayed in the game for two more plays, a Matt Asiata touchdown run and a two-point conversion pass to Rhett Ellison that put Minnesota up 35-28.
Veteran Christian Ponder ran the team’s final two series. If Bridgewater isn’t able to play against the Packers, Ponder would get the start, but that’s not what teammates are anticipating.
“Teddy’s a tough guy, so I think he can get it done regardless of the little nick,” wide receiver Jarius Wright said.
Wright was Bridgewater’s favorite target Sunday, setting career highs with eight catches and 132 yards. Bridgewater completed 19 of 30 passes for 317 yards and ran 13 yards for a first-half touchdown.
A good running game helped. Playing their third straight game without star running back Adrian Peterson, who is on the NFL’s exempt list following a Sept. 12 indictment in Texas on a felony charge of child abuse, the Vikings rushed for 241 yards.
That was more than double the 113 yards Minnesota had gained in the previous two games. Leading the way was rookie Jerick McKinnon, who had 135 yards on 18 carries. Asiata ran for 78 yards and three touchdowns on 20 attempts.
“We felt the running game had to be a crucial part,” McKinnon said. “We didn’t want (Bridgewater) to have to stress out about that. He’s coming off a real good game, and it’s only going to improve for him. We’re really excited to see what he can do again.”
Bridgewater made his NFL debut Sept. 21 at New Orleans after starter Matt Cassel broke his left foot in the second quarter of a 20-9 loss. Counting the two-plus quarters Bridgewater played that day, he has completed 31 of 50 passes for 467 yards.
Now, Bridgewater is in line for his first NFL road start. It won’t be easy on a short week, and the Packers are 4-0-1 against Vikings at Lambeau Field since 2010 - including a 2012 playoff victory.
“One of the big things is we’ve got to make sure (of this week) is that we get all our bumps and bruises taken care of,” Zimmer said. “I’ve got to be smart with the players. I’ve got to take care of them. But we still have to prepare.”
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