Vikings' Teddy Bridgewater hurts ankle, still expects to play Thursday

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was taken off the field on a cart after sustaining an ankle injury during the Vikings' 41-28 upset of the Atlanta Falcons. 

Bridgewater told the NFL Network his ankle was sprained (an X-ray of the ankle was reportedly negative) and that he plans to play against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The rookie from Louisville will undergo an MRI on Monday, but coach Mike Zimmer seems optimistic about Bridgewater's status for Thursday.

"I assume he's going to play," Zimmer said, via USA Today. "Teddy's pretty dang tough now."

• Geno Smith apologizes for cursing at a fan after Jets loss​

Bridgewater was replaced by Christian Ponder.

The Vikings placed Matt Casselon injured reserve with a broken foot last week.

• Impressive Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass called back by penalty

Bridgewater, the 32nd overall pick in 2014, was making his first career start. He completed 19-of-30 passes for 317 yards. He also rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown. 

- Dan Gartland