Bradford’s status still uncertain for Vikings

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford has been listed as questionable to play Monday night at Chicago.

Bradford, who has not played since the season opener because of trouble with his left knee, again took part in practice on a limited basis Saturday. Coach Mike Zimmer offered no more insight than the injury report. He even declined to confirm the decision about Bradford’s status would wait until a few hours before kickoff. “We’ll see,” Zimmer said. Bradford was ruled out ahead of time the last two weeks and has been held out of three straight games, so being declared a “50-50 proposition” by Zimmer to play against the Bears is clearly progress.

Bradford said on Friday his knee was feeling “night and day” better than two weeks ago.

Case Keenum has started in Bradford’s place, with the Vikings (2-2) losing two of three.

Jaguars’ center out

The Jacksonville Jaguars ruled out starting center Brandon Linder today at Pittsburgh.

The team says Linder (illness) and receiver Jaelen Strong (hamstring) did not make the trip.

Tyler Shatley is expected to start in Linder’s place. To help fill the void, the Jaguars elevated offensive lineman Chris Reed from the practice squad and released quarterback Ryan Nassib.

Bills make moves

The Buffalo Bills promoted cornerback Greg Mabin from the practice squad and released receiver Philly Brown, four days after signing him.

Cutting Brown leaves the Bills with just four healthy receivers for today’s game at Cincinnati. Starter Jordan Matthews was already ruled out after breaking his thumb last weekend.

Mabin’s promotion to the active roster comes with the Bills listing three defensive backs as questionable to suit up today — E.J. Gaines (groin), Shareece Wright (back) and Micah Hyde (knee).

Dolphins at home

Miami finally gets a home game today when they play host to Tennessee. The Dolphins haven’t played at Hard Rock Stadium since Aug. 17, with Hurricane Irma forcing postponement of the opener.

The Dolphins haven’t played well on the road, scoring a total of six points in the past two weeks. Their offense ranks dead last.

But Miami could get a break because Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota left last week’s loss in Houston with a hamstring problem. Matt Cassel would start if Mariota can’t go.

Manning gets statue

The Indianapolis Colts unveiled a statue of Peyton Manning on a plaza outside Lucas Oil Stadium in a ceremony attended by hundreds of fans and featuring remarks from former coach Tony Dungy and executive Bill Polian, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The five-time NFL MVP concluded the event Saturday by proclaiming “I will always be a Colt” and throwing autographed footballs into the crowd.

The bronze likeness features Manning in his Colts uniform preparing to throw a pass. It was a rare time he wasn’t quite prepared.

“I keep checking my health to make sure everything checks out,” Manning said. “I’m not sure you’re supposed to be alive to see something like this.”

But he was alive and kicking and ready to celebrate with more than a dozen former teammates in town.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels also spoke, as did longtime Colts center Jeff Saturday.

Even David Letterman made a surprise appearance in what Manning informally dubbed an all-Indiana event with the exception of Goodell.

“We all salute Peyton for being a tremendous ambassador for his community, our league and our game,” Goodell said.