For the second straight week, the Minnesota Vikings will play without starting quarterback Sam Bradford. The Vikings announced that backup Case Keenum will start for the team when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Bradford sustained a bone bruise in his knee in their 29-19 win over the New Orleans Saints and missed Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his first game, Bradford torched the Saints for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Keenum went 20-for-37 for 167 yards with no touchdown as the Vikings lost to the Steelers, 26-9.
According to Tom Pelissero, Bradford suffered a bone bruise that will be a weekly concern for the Vikings moving forward.
They are cautious with Bradford’s knee as he already suffered two ACL injuries in his career. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider said Bradford underwent an MRI after Week 1 but test results were difficult to read because the quarterback has so much scar tissue from his previous ACL tears.
Despite his woeful performance in Week 2, the Vikings are hoping that Keenum will continue his mastery over the Buccaneers, whom he has beaten in each of the last two seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings will also rely on rookie running back Dalvin Cook, who averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the first two games.
Patriots tight end, wideout to play vs. Texans
The New England Patriots announced that tight end Rob Gronkowski and wideout Danny Amendola will suit up when they face the Houston Texans in Week 3 on Sunday.
Gronkowski left their Sunday win over the Saints due to a groin injury and was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. However, he said he’s good to go against the Texans. Amendola, who has been dealing with concussion and knee issues, informed reporters that he will play Sunday. The return of Gronkowski and Amendola will be an additional burden for Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, who also has to deal with Brandin Cooks, James White, and Chris Hogan.
Rams’ Sammy Watkins, Tavon Austin sidelined
The Los Angeles Rams placed wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Tavon Austin in concussion protocol after their 41-39 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Watkins was having a strong outing, tallying six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns before he was sidelined in the fourth quarter. Minutes later, Austin followed Watkins to the locker room and was placed in concussion protocol, according to head coach Sean McVay.
