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Bears vs Vikings: Week 5 Questions with The Viking Age

By Mike "Boomer" Burzawa

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: A fan celebrates a first down by the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on December 28, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bears 13-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 28: A fan celebrates a first down by the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears on December 28, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bears 13-9. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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1. Really rough news for Vikings fans losing rookie running back Dalvin Cook for the season to an ACL injury.  Who picks up the slack in his absence?  How does the Vikings running game fair against a resurgent Bears defense?

Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings /

Minnesota Vikings

With the loss of Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray will likely be the one to take over as the Vikings’ primary running back. Jerick McKinnon’s time on the field will likely increase also, but expect Murray to be Minnesota’s top guy in their backfield for at least the next few weeks.

The Bears’ run defense may be improved this year, but they are still allowing running backs to hurt them in other ways as well. Even if the Vikings struggle with their rushing attack on Monday, their running backs can still remain a factor in the passing game.

2. A lot of attention will be paid to the quarterback under center for the Bears, but let’s talk about the Vikings quarterback situation. I heard Sam Bradford started practicing a little bit.  What’s the insider’s view, does he suit up on Monday night?  If not, how do you think Case Keenum will do?  Quick side note – how is Teddy Bridgewater doing in his recovery?  Do Viking fans expect him to come back and take back the starting job at some point down the road?

Bradford has practiced all week with the first team offense, so it seems like there is a good chance he will start under center for the Vikings on Monday. Even if he ends up missing another game this week, Keenum is fully capable of leading the offense to a few successful drives, especially if Minnesota’s offensive line can contain Chicago’s pass rush.

Considering how scary of an injury Bridgewater suffered a little over a year ago, his recovery progress has been pretty remarkable. There are multiple reports stating that the Vikings will add him to the active roster in Week 7 when he becomes eligible to come of the Physically Unable to Perform list. I wouldn’t expect him to start immediately for Minnesota, but Bridgewater could certainly takeover Keenum’s role as the team’s backup.

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