The Vikings announced they've waived quarterback Chandler Harnish, who served as the backup in the 42-10 loss to the Packers on Thursday, and promoted fullback Zach Line from the practice squad.

The move likely suggests what head coach Mike Zimmer has said over the last two days — rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will return next week against the Lions.

Harnish signed to the practice squad on Monday after Bridgewater injured his ankle against the Falcons last Sunday. He was promoted hours before Thursday's game.

"Getting here, I was still meeting players and coaches pregame and still introducing myself to guys," Harnish said on Friday before he was waived.

The Vikings never had to call Harnish's name with quarterback Christian Ponder playing the entire game. He felt he would've been prepared if the Vikings needed his services in the blowout.

"Both coach [Norv] Turner and coach [Scott] Turner have done a great job of getting me prepared," Harnish said. "Everything I needed to know, I was ready to go. Obviously it was going to be a smaller menu of plays but absolutely ready."

It was Harnish's first week on either a practice squad or active roster this season. He was released during the final roster cuts by the Colts in August after spending last season on their practice squad.

"Sunday afternoon, I'm sitting in Chicago with some friends watching the Bears-Packers game," Harnish said. "Then on my way back to [Indianapolis], I get a phone call at about 11 o'clock at night saying, 'Hey, we want you in Minnesota.' It was an absolute whirlwind but incredible opportunity and exciting just to get up off my but, for lack of a better term, because I'd been unemployed for a few weeks."

Line returns to the active roster after he was waived right before the Vikings Week 2 matchup against the Patriots. The Vikings promoted running back Joe Banyard, needing another running back after running back Adrian Peterson was listed as inactive.