McCarthy: 'We'll plan for Bridgewater'

There was no time to waste before Packers coach Mike McCarthy began preparing for the Minnesota Vikings.

From the plane, during the team's flight back from Chicago on Sunday night, the coach turned his attention to the next division opponent on Green Bay's schedule. First order of business: who will play quarterback in purple and gold?

Matt Cassel, who began the season as starter, is out for the year with a broken foot. Vikings rookie Teddy Bridgewater was impressive in his first start, completing 19-of-30 passes for 317 yards and a 98.9 quarterback rating. Minnesota beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-28, but Bridgewater was carted off the field early in the fourth quarter with a sprained left ankle and replaced by backup Christian Ponder.

Bridgewater's status for Thursday was immediately thrown into question. McCarthy said he expects the rookie to play.

"I would think he's going to play," McCarthy said. "… My family taped the game for me, so when I got home last night I watched the TV copy. I thought he played well, and watched the game on the coaches' copy this morning and was told he feels pretty good. The tests were negative. We'll plan for Bridgewater."

Bridgewater's presence in the offense is important, especially with running back Adrian Peterson's absence. Peterson has not played since being indicted for child abuse earlier this month.

-- rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood