The Minnesota Vikings were cautiously optimistic about Sam Bradford’s availability heading into their Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the quarterback ended up not being ready to go. Bradford suffered a knee injury last week, so backup Case Keenum will get the start instead.
Sam Bradford out vs. Steelers due to knee injury, Case Keenum to start for Vikings
The Vikings were optimistic that Bradford would play, but now they have to turn to Case Keenum.
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
What happened? Bradford received an MRI on his left knee on Tuesday, one day after Minnesota defeated the New Orleans Saints. According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the 29-year-old quarterback went through an MRI because he experienced swelling and pain in his left knee after the game. Bradford had ACL surgery on his left knee in 2013 and 2014 when he was with the Rams.
A source told Mortensen the MRI did not reveal any damage to Bradford’s knee, but scans do not provide a clear picture on a knee that’s undergone multiple surgeries. Bradford was listed as questionable on the Vikings’ Week 2 injury report.
On the other hand, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported that Bradford would be a game-time decision. Minnesota worked him out during the pregame to decide if he’ll play or not, and the team didn’t feel confident about his health.
What does this mean? The Vikings are now without two quarterbacks, including Teddy Bridgewater, due to knee injuries. Until Bradford is healthy again, they will have to rely on Keenum’s arm. Minnesota signed him over the offseason to serve as a backup behind Bradford. Keenum isn’t a prolific passer like Bradford, but he can extend plays with his legs.
No one knows how this offense will look with Keenum at the helm. After all, this is the same quarterback who threw 2,201 yards to go along with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions with the Rams last year.
You can’t expect this offense to look like it did in Week 1, when Bradford was one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Keenum doesn’t have the arm talent to make plays consistently in the passing game. If he gets hurt, recently promoted undrafted rookie Kyle Sloter will handle snaps for Minnesota.
Why does this matter? In a competitive NFC North, Minnesota’s playoff hopes depend on Bradford’s durability. Despite the Vikings’ strong defense and rushing attack, this team cannot clinch a playoff spot without Bradford leading the way.
If Bradford’s knee issue continues to linger, this could turn into a long season for Minnesota. Indeed, it’s only Week 2, and there is a lot of football left in this young season. On the other hand, Bradford has an extensive track record of knee injures. He missed more than half of the 2013 season because of a torn ACL. That following preseason, he tore that same ACL again and sat out for the entire 2014 season.
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