Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater expected to play after concussion

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has returned to full participation in practice, a significant step forward in his recovery from a concussion.

Bridgewater was hurt as he slid in front of St. Louis cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, whose shoulder-first hit caused Bridgewater’s head to hit hard against the turf early in the fourth quarter of the game last week. Bridgewater is expected to start Sunday at Oakland.

Linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks were held out of practice Thursday for a second straight day, but coach Mike Zimmer said the team was “just being careful” and that he thinks they’ll both play this weekend.

Bears’ Ferguson violated drug policy, league says

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Ego Ferguson has been suspended four games without pay by the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced Thursday.

Ferguson is out for the season with a patellar tendon injury in one of his knees. Although he is on the reserve/injured list, he will begin serving his suspension immediately.

So, effectively, the discipline amounts to a fine worth four weeks’ salary. In Ferguson’s case, that’s $142,815.

Etc.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery missed practice with a groin injury he suffered a day earlier. Jeffery has had three straight 100-yard receiving games as the Bears’ offense has opened up considerably since his return from a hamstring injury in Week 6. ... Will Beatty, the veteran New York Giants tackle who spent the first half of the season on the physically unable to perform list recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, will not be activated by Thursday’s deadline because of a new injury to his rotator cuff. Coach Tom Coughlin said the unrelated right shoulder injury will require surgery and Beatty will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season.... Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy is active and will play against the New York Jets after being questionable with a shoulder injury.... The New England Patriots signed linebacker Eric Martin from the practice squad, released linebacker Dewey McDonald, and signed defensive lineman Robert Thomas to the practice squad. ... Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray practiced for the first time since suffering a concussion and is optimistic about his chances of playing against Minnesota. ... Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns missed his second straight day of practice but still expects to play at Baltimore.