Vikings QB Bridgewater a full participant in practice

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. Barr has been wearing a wrap on his left hand. Kendricks missed the previous game because of a rib injury.