Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer announced that starting quarterback Sam Bradford threw at practice Wednesday but he remains as a game-time decision. Zimmer told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Bradford “felt better on Monday” but the team will remain cautious and monitor his day-to-day progress. Bradford, who did not play in their Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a sore knee, said he’s still evaluating himself before deciding if he can suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. According to Tom Peliserro of NFL Network, Bradford said he will base his decision on his performance during practice.

“If I can't perform in practice, I won’t likely play. You've got to be able to play quarterback," said Bradford.

If Bradford can’t play, the Vikings will turn to backup Case Keenum, who went 20-for-37 for 167 yards and no touchdowns in their 26-9 loss to the Steelers. In his first start, Bradford completed 27 of 32 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns without an interception as the Vikings defeated the New Orleans Saints, 29-19.

Injured Patriots return to practice

Mike Reiss of ESPN reported that several injured New England Patriots players returned to practice Wednesday. Among them was tight end Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a groin injury after tallying six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in their win over the Saints.

Aside from Gronkowski, linebacker Dont'a Hightower, Danny Amendola, cornerback Eric Rowe and receiver Phillip Dorsett all join the practice session. Hightower and Amendola recently suffered knee and concussion, respectively. However, running back Rex Burkhead, who sustained a rib injury, was not seen during practice.

The Patriots will take on the Houston Texans Sunday.

Texans running back Alfred Blue returned to practice after suffering an ankle injury. According to coach Bill O’Brien, wide receiver, Bruce Ellington will be ready to play against the Patriots fellow wideout Will Fuller isn’t ready to return from a collarbone injury.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco still not 100 percent

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco admitted to Adam Schein of SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio that his back isn’t 100 percent yet despite starting the first two games of the regular season.

“I'm getting there," Flacco said. “Hopefully here in a few weeks, I'll feel consistently good.” In the first two weeks of the season, Flacco did not show any sign of the back issues that hounded him in training camp and in the offseason as he led the Ravens to wins over the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.