Vikings' Bridgewater expected to be OK to play Sunday

Minnesota Vikings Coach Mike Zimmer said quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to play next week despite taking a vicious late hit Sunday that forced him out of the game.

"He passed his first (concussion) test, so he should be good to go, I think" on Sunday when the Vikings play the Oakland Raiders, Zimmer told reporters, although he noted that Bridgewater still needs to pass more concussion-related tests.

Scrambling for several yards on a running play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, Bridgewater slid, signaling the end of the play. However, Rams defensive back Lamarcus Joyner launched himself at Bridgewater and landed a forearm to the quarterback's helmet, slamming his head to the turf. Bridgewater appeared to be knocked unconscious.

Zimmer and Vikings players were visibly angered by the hit. Joyner was penalized but said later he wasn't intentionally trying to hurt Bridgewater.

"We have a lot of resiliency to fight through some of these things," Zimmer said Monday. "This is how we're built to win right now."