The Vikings are switching to a rookie quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater for Sunday's game against Atlanta, but coach Mike Zimmer's primary concern is his team's injury situation.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph has a "core" injury and will fly to Philadelphia to see Dr. William Meyers, a specialist on such injuries, Zimmer said Monday. An NFL source told the Star Tribune's Matt Vensel that Rudolph will need surgery for a sports hernia and will miss at least six weeks. Meyers, of the Vincera Institute, has operated on Adrian Peterson twice after Peterson had abdominal injuries.
The Vikings lost at New Orleans 20-9 on Sunday, and Bridgewater came into the game after starter Matt Cassel left because of broken bones in his left foot.
Starting right guard Brandon Fusco left Sunday's game because of a pectoral injury, and is still being evaluated, Zimmer said.
Zimmer said linebacker Chad Greenway, who played despite a broken left hand, also has a broken rib. Greenway tried to play Sunday, but eventually left the game.
"He had a hard game," Zimmer said. "That's my fault. He didn't practice all week, I thought he could go … my mistake."
Rudolph, who missed part of last season because of a broken foot, got a five-year, $36.5 million contract extension before the season started. Fusco got a five-year, $24.5 million deal on the eve of the opening game.
Zimmer said the team is ready to go with Bridgewater at the helm.
