Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer
Looking forward to getting back to the University of Minnesota and getting in front of our fans and putting forth a great effort as we finish up this season. I think we've had a good week of practice; we've been outside every day and handled it well. They've done a good job with the fields so it was good to get out.
Q: Will you go outside tomorrow for the walk through?
A: No.
Q: Were those sideline concerns alleviated over the past week to practice outside?
A: Yes.
*Q: What was the biggest thing you'd like to see in this final game? *
A: A win. A win.
Q: Do you feel like home-field advantage has been there this season?
A: I think our fans have been really good. I think they come out and support us well. Like I said before, it's really the only place that I know here so it feels like home to me. I think when you play good it helps wherever, to me, to have some kind of advantage.
Q: What's the level of ability of the two practice squad linebackers to be able to help you?
A: I think they'll be fine. They'll be fine.
*Q: Given that you lost Adrian Peterson and a few other guys earlier in the season, do you get any satisfaction or encouragement of how your team has been able to stick together through all of that and be competitive these past couple of months? *
A: I don't know. Let's talk about that next week, all of those kinds of things. We'll talk about it next week. I just want to get focused on Chicago and trying to perform well this week. It's important for the players and for myself that I find out each and every little bit about these guys as I can as we go forward because it will help on a lot of decisions at the end of the season.
Q: Will you make some moves with the linebackers to bring guys up from the practice squad?
A: We will probably make a move.
Q: What is your level of concern with the linebackers?
A: None.
*Q: Is Chad Greenway a guy that with his experience who can play without having practice during the week? *
A: Yeah, I mean he probably could have practiced today but we didn't want to aggravate it more. We'll just see how it goes.
Q: When did he get back from his father's funeral?
A: Wednesday.
Q: How much has the offense had to change because of the loss of Adrian Peterson and everything he brought?
A: It's been evolving for quite a while. I think any time you lose players – regardless of it's a Hall of Fame player, the best player on your team or other players – you have to figure out other ways to use guys and change things. I guess that kind of answers it a little bit.
Q: With the Bears not having Brandon Marshall does that change anything for you defensively?
A: Sure. Yeah, just like us not having Adrian. The same thing, but they still have plenty of weapons. (Matt) Forte is, I think, eight catches away from a record. They've got a bunch of good players. (Martellus) Bennett is a good player, 17 (Alshon Jeffery). Cutler still spins the ball good when and moves around in the pocket with his feet, Pro Bowl offensive linemen.
Q: What has stood out to you about Charles Johnson?
A: Well, he's consistent. He makes plays when he gets the opportunity, he runs routes hard, he's got speed so guys will get off of him when they need to and he will run by them if they don't. Those are all good qualities. He lines up in the right place, he runs the right route. The offense has a lot of confidence in him.
Q: Is Henry Josey prepared to be active for Sunday's game?
A: I don't know yet.
