Mike Zimmer expects Sam Bradford, Anthony Barr to play Sunday for Vikings

Though both Anthony Barr and Sam Bradford are nursing injuries that caused them to miss practice time this week, coach Mike Zimmer said Friday he anticipates both players will play Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Officially, the Vikings listed Bradford, Barr and cornerback Xavier Rhodes (hip) as questionable for Sunday.

Barr took part in practice after missing the first two sessions of the week with a hamstring injury, and indications from the practice session were the Vikings expect him to be available Sunday. Bradford had a MRI on his left knee earlier this week, according to an ESPN report, but was throwing during individual drills each day this week.

Zimmer demurred when asked about the report of Bradford’s MRI. “I’m not going to talk about who has had MRIs or who hasn’t had MRIs,” Zimmer said. “Lots of guys have MRIs. I had one, maybe two, on my knee.”

It’s worth noting the Vikings haven’t made any roster moves this week (like activating quarterback Kyle Sloter from the practice squad) that would indicate they’re worried about Bradford’s availability for Sunday, though the team could always make a move between now and Sunday afternoon’s kickoff.

The Vikings will issue their final injury report of the week later this afternoon.