EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer on Monday said Teddy Bridgewater and Terence Newman passed their first tests of the NFL's multipart concussion protocol.

Both players suffered concussions Sunday in Minnesota's 21-18 overtime victory over the St. Louis Rams.

Bridgewater was sidelined in the fourth quarter when he was hit in the helmet by the left arm of Rams DB Lamarcus Joyner at the end of a scramble. Bridgewater slid feet first, a move that is supposed to grant quarterbacks protection from contact, but Joyner struck the QB, drawing a 15-yard penalty. The hit has been debated, and **perspective differed** according to locker room Sunday.

Newman was sidelined after he was inadvertently kicked in the facemask by Rams RB Todd Gurley in the rookie's attempt to hurdle the cornerback.

"He passed his first test as well," Zimmer said of Newman.

The NFL conducts an independent evaluation of players who are placed in the concussion protocol program. A player diagnosed with a concussion must pass multiple tests before being cleared to return.

The Vikings (6-2) are tied with the Packers atop the NFC North and are scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders (4-4) at 3:05 p.m. (CT) Sunday.