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Vikings' Zimmer believes Bradford earned starting QB position

Bruce Kluckhohn / USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer provided Sam Bradford with a vote of confidence, in spite of the team missing the playoffs.

Bradford steered the Vikings to an 8-8 record but the team struggled down the stretch after jumping out to a 5-0 mark.

The Vikings acquired Bradford in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles after Teddy Bridgewater suffered a gruesome knee injury during a preseason practice.

Zimmer endorsed Bradford while expressing his concern for Bridgewater's long-term health.

"I think Sam has played great this year, No. 1," Zimmer said to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I think he’s earned the right to be the starting quarterback, and right now all I’m worried about is Teddy getting better. … Sam has done remarkable, the things he’s done this year with all the things that he’s had to do."

While Bradford earned his job this year, Bridgewater is expected to compete for the role again upon being cleared to return.

"Teddy is a guy that will do everything possible to get back as soon as he can possibly get back,’’ Zimmer said. “And he would be a guy that I would never bet against."

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