Sam Bradford Designated to Return Off IR; Vikings Have 3 Weeks to Decide His Playoff Fate

By    |  
Jan 2, 2018
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Even though the Holiday season is over, one thing is yet to come to an end: Reunions with old friends.

Due to knee issues, the last time Sam Bradford was under center for the Vikings was almost three months ago. On Tuesday, he made his long-awaited return to the practice field:

That was like a 1920’s short film. Terrific cinematography, but leaves one wanting more. On Tuesday, during a 15 minute, open to the media session, besides doing drills, he threw one, and only one, pass (seen above).

If I make any assumptions on his ability at this stage, Statistics teachers across the state would disown me. Correct me if I’m wrong, but ideally the math brains desire a sample size that is larger than one. With that said, per “Nine to Noon,” Paul Allen talked about Sammy Sleeves jumping around at practice and looking spry. Do with that information what you will.

As for the Vikings’ next move in the chess match that is the NFL, the team needs to decide whether or not to activate Bradford from the injured reserve. He is currently assigned as designated to return from IR. Which means, MN has three weeks to make a decision, either way. Bring him onto the active roster for the playoff run OR keep him on IR, where he will likely become a FA at the end of the season.

On New Years Day, Coach Zimmer said that it’s “too early to say” what the former first overall draft pick’s role will be moving forward.

The VAST MAJORITY of Skol Nation, along with myself, are 100% all-in on Case Keenum being our QB in the playoffs. To continue with the Statistics theme, there are a few outliers out there (aka this website’s founder) that believe(d), if Bradford is fully healthy, he needs to be given serious consideration as the starter (FOUNDER/editor note: Not exactly…. Read what I wrote HERE).

Ummm. I don’t want to say the wrong thing. To each their own. (Editor’s note again: Yeah, because I can afford to fire the guy who writes everything for the site… for nothing more than stock in a company with no income currently… I think you’re safe, Johnny)

If Bradford is activated, assuming Case is the starter, who’s the backup? In my opinion, that nod EASILY goes to Bradford. Especially, when you consider the fact that if one of them were forced to be thrust into the spotlight, it would be a playoff game. Career wise, and more importantly, recently Sam has much more experience than Teddy.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN disagrees with my stance:

Would they dress three QBs? I don’t see why.

Naturally, much more will develop on this realm in the near future. Like I stated earlier, the Vikings have a 3 week deadline to meet. Will they activate Sam Bradford? Or like he has a few times in the past, will he finish the season on the shelf?

We shall see. In the interim, sit back and enjoy the hell out of this first round bye. The players and coaches worked hard in order for us fans to have the week off.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Mentioned in this article:

More About: