Vikings’ Bradford out, Keenum to start
The Minnesota Vikings face another quarterback quandary, with Sam Bradford sidelined against Tampa Bay because of an ailing left knee and Case Keenum set for his second straight start.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer eliminated the mystery before the weekend this time. He ruled out Bradford, who was not at practice Friday because of the injury he sustained in the season opener against New Orleans.
Bradford joined the team on the field in a limited basis Wednesday and again on Thursday, when Zimmer sounded upbeat about his progress. ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported that Bradford was traveling to seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedist who performed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions on the quarterback’s knee in 2013 and 2014.
Zimmer declined to discuss the report. He even said Bradford saw more action Thursday than Wednesday, declining to characterize the situation as a setback during a terse meeting with reporters after practice Friday.
“He could be back the following week. I don’t know. But I tell you I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said.
Date for arguments set in Elliott case
A federal appeals court has set oral arguments for Oct. 2 in the NFL’s bid to reinstate Ezekiel Elliott’s sixgame suspension over a domestic case in Ohio, meaning the star Dallas Cowboys running back will play at least two more games.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans posted the notice Friday, clearing the way for last year’s NFL rushing leader to play Monday night at Arizona and at home Oct. 1 against the Rams.
The court is seeking briefs from both sides by Wednesday on the issue of U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant’s jurisdiction. The Texas judge granted Elliott’s request for an injunction that blocked the NFL’s suspension.
The NFL sought an emergency stay of Mazzant’s injunction, hoping to put the suspension back in place while Elliott’s case is in the courts.
League fines Skrine, Engram
New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine has been fined $24,309 by the NFL for a helmet hit last week at Oakland.
Skrine was called for unnecessary roughness for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Raiders running back DeAndre Washington in the Jets’ 42-20 loss.
The NFL also fined Giants rookie tight end Evan Engram $12,154 for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he received after celebrating his first career touchdown with a questionable gesture. While dancing in the end zone following an 18-yard reception, Engram appeared to reach down at his crotch — Michael Jackson-style — with his left hand.
Injury reports
The Green Bay Packers could be without left tackle David Bakhtiari (hamstring), safety Kentrell Brice (groin), receiver Randall Cobb (chest), defensive tackle Mike Daniels (hip), cornerback Davon House (quad), outside linebacker Nick Perry (hand) and inside linebacker Jake Ryan (hamstring/concussion) for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals . ... Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley Jr., right tackle Ryan Schraeder and defensive lineman Courtney Upshaw were all ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions . ... Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham is expected to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans despite being listed as questionable because of an ankle injury . ... The Jets will be without starting right guard Brian Winters for their home opener against the Miami Dolphins because of an abdominal injury . ... The Buffalo Bills will be without left tackle Cordy Glenn and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus when they play the Denver Broncos.