VIKINGS’ BRIDGEWATER SAYS HE’S READY TO HELP CHRISTEN STADIUM

eden prairie, minn.» Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is on track to play this weekend in the first game at the team’s new stadium.

“Of course” was Bridgewater’s answer, with a big smile, when asked if he’s expecting to take the field on Sunday for the opener at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The minor shoulder injury, reported by ESPN.com as the reason Bridgewater sat out as a surprise scratch last week at Seattle, has abated enough for him to resume throwing in practice. He was eased back in Tuesday and started heaving long passes again Wednesday.

“I feel good. I feel very good,” Bridgewater said, staying otherwise coy about his status as coach Mike Zimmer has instructed him.

Zimmer said he thought Bridgewater threw the ball well in practice Wednesday. The Vikings host San Diego this weekend, and the third exhibition contest is typically when the starters play the longest in the preseason. They don’t usually get much time, if any, in the fourth game.

Senator wants stadium.

Sen. Harry Reid says he’s a big fan of efforts to lure the NFL’s Raiders to Las Vegas but is keeping mum on whether he thinks taxpayers should help foot the bill for a new football stadium.

The Nevada Democrat says there’s no federal money involved in plans to build a 65,000-seat domed stadium, so he’ll leave it to state and local officials to debate spending $750 million in Clark County hotel-room tax money on the project expected to cost $1.7 billion to $2.1 billion.

Redskins get center.

Washington acquired center Bryan Stork from the Patriots for an undisclosed draft pick.

Stork appeared in 21 games the past two seasons but started just six in 2015 after spending time on the physically unable-to-perform list with concussion and neck issues. The 25-year-old started the Super Bowl for New England two seasons ago.

Footnotes.

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon has been given a one-year suspended sentence and probation for driving under the influence in Oklahoma. … Geno Smith remains the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback and will play after starter Ryan Fitzpatrick in the preseason game against the Giants on Saturday night. There had been some uncertainty about the pecking order of the backups after Bryce Petty had a good performance and Smith struggled against Washington.