Zimmer Not Publicly Announcing Vikings Week 1 Quarterback
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Vikings fans will have to wait until Sunday to find out who the team's Week 1 quarterback is.
Coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday he is not publicly announcing whether Sam Bradford or Shaun Hill will start. Zimmer said he will tell the team when he has made his decision. Bradford and Hill are expected to split the first-team reps in practice this week. Both are preparing as if they will be the starter.
Hill was listed as the team's starter when the Vikings released their first depth chart Tuesday, with Bradford as the back-up. A lot can change over the course of the week of practice. It also means Zimmer is likely giving Bradford as much time as possible and as many looks as he can to show he's ready to play for the Vikings.
Both Bradford and Hill spoke to the media on Wednesday, the day that the starting quarterback typically talks to the media.
Bradford's goal since last weekend's trade is to do whatever he can in the shortest amount of time to be ready to play Sunday.
"I'm much more comfortable than Sunday, that's for sure," Bradford said Wednesday.
Hill has spent much of his career as a back-up quarterback. He said competing for a starting job is nothing new for him.
"This whole game is a competition, every practice is a competition. That's the nature of this game," Hill said.
One thing is certain: Trading two draft picks to get Bradford has the attention of the players.
"Our front office made a big move and they're letting us know in the locker room that this is our year," Captain Munnerlyn said.
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Wednesday his team is preparing as if Bradford will be the starter.
"I think they wouldn't give up a one and a four to have a guy sit very long," Mularkey said.
The Vikings travel to Tennessee to face the Titans at noon Sunday.
