*Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer *

It'll be good to get back out and get another opportunity to play again this week. Tough division game on the road so it'll be a good test for us.

Q: How does Jerick McKinnon potentially not playing affect the run game?

A: It doesn't.      

Q: Do you think Ronnie Hillman is prepared to take on a bigger role?

A: If he has to. 

Q: Are you ready to declare anybody out or doubtful at this point?

A: No.

Q: What has allowed you to play so many safeties with similar results?

A: Well I think the system is fairly easy and the things that we ask them to do. Most of the time it's interchangeable. One guy can play either position so that allows multiple guys to play, I guess.

Q: Are the running issues due to the offensive line?

A: It's negative yardage plays, that brings your average down. 

Q: You usually don't' see such a low average, why is that?

A: Well it is what it is, I can't change it. It's 2.6, that's what it is. So we'll just keep trying to do better.

Q: Is Cordarrelle Patterson cleared from concussion protocol?

A: Not yet.

Q: Will Adam Thielen fill in for him as a returner?

A: I'm pretty sure he'll (Patterson) play, but yeah.  

Q: Would you be comfortable with Cordarrelle getting some work on punt coverage?

A: We'll have to see.  

Q: Are you sure that Marcus Sherels will play?

A: We'll see when the injury report comes out.

Q: Do you think Sherels' wrist injury affected him when he fumbled last game?

A: You'd have to ask him. I don't know.  

Q: Is there any difference in edge rushers usage now than in the past?

A: I think the NFL has pretty much always had them. That's why they're a premium and that's why they get drafted so high because I think each team has those.

Q: Will you be able to tell if your team bounces back from adversity from watching practice or is it just faith?

A: Every team is different. In the games that you play after you lose a game are different, the teams you play. But, we've had a good week of practice, so we'll see.