3:42 PM -The Vikings and Bears have released their first official injury reports of the week, and a whopping 25 players combined between the two squads appear on the report.
For the Vikings: Cordarrelle Patterson (concussion), Marcus Sherels (wrist), Jerick McKinnon (ankle), Andrew Sendejo (ankle) and Sharrif Floyd (knee) did not participate. Audie Cole (finger), Alex Boone (shoulder/knee), MyCole Pruitt (knee), Jarius Wright (ankle) and Zac Kerin (hand) were limited. Laquon Treadwell (thumb), Anthony Barr (ankle) and Jeremiah Sirles (knee) fully participated.
For the Bears: DB Bryce Callahan (hamstring), DT Eddie Goldman (ankle), DB Deiondre' Hall (ankle), LB Nick Kwiatkowski (illness), G Kyle Long (tricep), WR Eddie Royal (toe), G Josh Sitton (ankle) and LB Danny Trevathan (illness) did not participate. RB Jeremy Langford (ankle), LB Pernell McPhee (knee), WR Cameron Meredith (shoulder) and DB Tracy Porter (knee) were limited.
2:30 PM - Jay Cutler told Twin Cities media members on Thursday that he expects a tough test from the Vikings defense on Monday in his first game action since Week 2.
"I feel good. Obviously as a team we wish we had a better record," Cutler said of the 1-6 Bears. "Everyone is playing hard. We've just got to find a way to win some games.
"There's going to be a little bit of rust," Cutler added. "Luckily we've got an extra practice this week because of the Monday night game. I'm just working hard, trying to get some more stuff done throughout the week so I'm ready to go."
Cutler is 28-of-46 passing for 373 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a passer rating of 75.7 this season.
12:09 PM - Vikings defensive end Brian Robison isn't panicking after the Vikings first loss of the season.
Minnesota fell 21-10 to Philadelphia on Sunday to bring the Vikings record to 5-1.
But with 10 games to go, Robison is keeping an even keel.
The Vikings got back to work Thursday morning at Winter Park and will hold their first practice of the week later this afternoon.
Minnesota is at Chicago on Monday Night Football for Week 8.
"Everybody is going to think it's the end of the world because we lost one game," Robison said. "We don't really care what people are saying about us, we're going to go to business as usual.
"We're going to go out here and practice hard, we're going to everything we need to put ourselves in a successful position on Sunday."
11:43 AM - Mike Zimmer just spoke with reporters, kick-starting Minnesota's preparation for Chicago.
The Illinois native made it clear that the Bears are better than their 1-6 record so far indicates, noting that they've had three fourth-quarter leads in losses this season.
Zimmer also expects the return of Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler, who has been sidelined with a thumb injury since Week 2, to provide a lift.
Zimmer said Cutler is a "big-time arm talent" who understands the strengths of each of the Bears receivers and isn't afraid to throw into tight coverage. Zimmer also noted that Cutler can be an effective passer despite being forced by a defense to scramble.
The coach also said Minnesota is working to shore up its pass protection this week after the Vikings suffered six sacks at Philadelphia.
Zimmer described Bears pass rushers as "athletic, long and physical" and said Chicago will be helped by Pernell McPhee, who missed time earlier this season but returned to action against the Packers. Zimmer said McPhee is an "all-day affair."
11:14 AM -Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford just participated in his weekly podium session.
Bradford said the Vikings were "crisp" and "the energy was good" at Thursday morning's walk-through, and the team is looking forward to returning to the practice field this afternoon.
Minnesota (5-1) has begun preparing for a trip to Chicago to face the Bears (1-6) on Monday Night Football and avenge the Vikings first loss of the season.
Minnesota's pass protection issues at Philadelphia that led to six sacks and Bradford's first interception as a Viking, along with four fumbles by the quarterback, were a large part of Thursday's discussion with reporters.
Bradford said pass protection is a shared responsibility.
"It's all of us," Bradford said, noting there were times he could have gotten the ball out quicker and other times where protection could have been better.
Falling behind for the first time since Sept. 25 caused the Vikings to try to pass their way back into the game, and the Eagles continued to bring pressure.
"We're best when we're balanced," Bradford said.
10:30 AM - Vikings.com staff members Mike Wobschall (@Wobby), Lindsey Young (@LindseyMNSports), Eric Smith (@EricLSmith), Craig Peters (@pcraigers), and Chris Corso (@CACorso) will provide some quick hitters on this page that will be updated throughout a busy media Thursday at Winter Park.
On the docket today is a morning podium session for Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Sam Bradford. Available players will also speak during open locker room.
Bears Head Coach John Fox and QB Jay Culter have conference calls with the Twin Cities media in the afternoon.
The Vikings have the first practice of the week this afternoon, and both teams will release their first injury reports.
Follow the running log below for Thursday's news going forward and in the meantime check out Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer's Monday press conference and videos from the players open locker room on Monday:
