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Access Vikings morning walkthrough: No doubt about Bridgewater, older guys making their mark and more

By Matt Vensel

November 13, 2015 at 2:18PM

Every weekday, we walk you through what's going on with the Vikings.

WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

— After watching quarterback Teddy Bridgewater get in a full workout on Thursday, coach Mike Zimmer felt confident enough to more or less state that Bridgewater would start Sunday against the Raiders.

— Zimmer also believes that starting linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks will play despite not practicing Wednesday and Thursday.

— The Vikings typically fly to road destinations the day before games, but Zimmer decided to change up their long-standing routine this week.

— The stellar play of Raiders safety Charles Woodson fortifies running back Adrian Peterson's belief that he, too, can play well into his late 30s.

— The Vikings are getting big contributions from 30-somethings, too.

— Here are your five Vikings stats that stand out this week, including a decrease in the amount of shotgun plays they are using on offense.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

— Raiders rookie sensation Amari Cooper is looking forward to playing Bridgewater, his old high school teammate back in the Miami area.

— Raiders running back Latavius Murray says he's symptom-free from his concussion and signs continue to point toward him playing Sunday.

— The Raiders are excited about the return of safety Nate Allen.

TODAY'S VIKINGS SCHEDULE

The Vikings practice at 10:30 a.m., which is earlier than most Fridays. After practice, they head to the airport to catch a flight out to the West Coast.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

The guys at Pro Football Focus unveiled their midseason All-Pro teams earlier this week and a trio of Vikings got recognition. Safety Harrison Smith and nose tackle Linval Joseph made the squad and slot cornerback Captain Munnerlyn got honorable mention. What's noteworthy about Joseph and Munnerlyn is that they were the team's two biggest offseason signings last spring and, for different reasons, their impact was limited in their first season here. Now, in their second season, they are playing well. That jibes with what Zimmer has said in the past, that he typically sees a big jump in performance in a player's second season in a new scheme.