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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The quarterback, running back and left tackle are all out, likely for the whole season.The Minnesota Vikings have been playing as if nobodys missing at all.In the NFL, coach Mike Zimmer said, its adapt or you get eaten up.Injuries are a given in this game, so overcoming the loss of key players is hardly a novel accomplishment.The Vikings (4-0) have only finished the first quarter of the schedule, so their replacements have much more to prove over the long haul that they can render moot the absence of Teddy Bridgewater, Adrian Peterson and Matt Kalil.The way this team has responded to these potentially devastating setbacks, though, is the type of trait that title contenders possess.I say it all the time, because its true about this football team. Its so important to have the right kind of guys in here, Zimmer said. Guys that when it gets down to it, we fight.The damage to Bridgewaters left knee that occurred in practice on Aug. 30 caused widespread consternation, but once the Vikings were able to visit with the popular quarterback they loosened up a little.The trade for Sam Bradford was made only four days later, an instant pick-me-up for the players that signaled the organization was still serious about chasing that elusive championship.Bradford was playing so well in his debut on Sept. 18 against the rival Green Bay Packers that the departure of Peterson with damage to his right knee wasnt as demoralizing as it could have been.Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata fared relatively well filling in with Peterson out in 2014 while the child abuse case against the star running back played out.Plus, the defense has reached a new height of dominance, in its third year under Zimmer.The news, then, that Kalil would need season-ending surgery on his right hip became almost an afterthought at that point.The left tackle is crucial in the protection plan, frequently facing the opponents best and fastest pass rusher, but Kalil had clearly been struggling through the injury at less than full strength. T.J. Clemmings, who started at right tackle as a rookie last season, has held his own over the past two games.Bradford, who has yet to turn the ball over, has shown a quick release, an accurate touch and ample strength to throw deep.He has especially been confident in throwing the ball to his most-trusted options, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tight end Kyle Rudolph, in heavy traffic that Bridgewater was less willing to test.The Vikings beat the New York Giants 24-10 on Monday behind their most-balanced offensive production to date in 2016, rushing for a season-most 104 yards.This is the first game where the offense scored all the points, Rudolph said.We finally were able to get things rolling on offense and let them just worry about stopping people and not scoring, too.Peterson led the league in rushing last season, but for whatever reason he hasnt been as dominant since the 2012 season when he won the NFL MVP award.Hes long been more comfortable lining up deep in the backfield, but Bridgewater and now Bradford are more effective in the shotgun or pistol formations.Peterson is the type of power runner who has often thrived off wearing a defense down over the course of a game, a potentially limiting factor for the play calling with that temptation of his potential to break loose for a long gain at any time.The run blocking was poor over the first three games, so the low production wasnt necessarily a sign that Peterson has slowed down.But McKinnons versatility of style, plus a superior ability as a pass-catcher and pass-protector, just might be a better fit. Asiata is a capable complement for short-yardage situations, too.The defenses success is serving as quite the support, too.Weve got to go out there, hold ourselves to a high level, expect to go out there and score points and be efficient, Bradford said, but knowing that we dont have to go out there and score 40, 50 points a game, it makes it nice.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Gary Fencik Jersey . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. Jerry Azumah Jersey . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. http://www.custombearsjersey.com/custom-roger-leclerc-jersey-large-1886t.html . Spiller left Week 3s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets with a thigh injury, but fully practiced with the team all week and expects to be ready to go on Sunday. Pat ODonnell Jersey . Batiste, who briefly signed with the Eskimos in 2006, has spent time with several NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. Keith Van Horne Jersey . - Levi Browns tenure at left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers is over before it even began. WASHINGTON -- Whether discussing where Bryce Harper or Trea Turner might play next season, assessing the Washington Nationals performance or his priorities for the offseason, general manager Mike Rizzo avoided saying much Thursday.Rizzo broke little new ground during a 15-minute conference call with reporters, his first comments since Washingtons season ended with an NL Division Series loss for the third time in five years.I definitely view it as a successful season that ended poorly for us, Rizzo said. But again, we didnt get to our ultimate success, which is winning the World Series.He declined to say what the Nationals main needs are, noting, We have a very versatile roster.A big part of that is Turner, who had a breakout rookie season, including 13 homers and 33 steals, while transitioning to center field from the middle infield. Rizzo would not commit to a position for Turner -- or even to keeping him at one position -- in 2017, saying Turner could excel in center field, att shortstop and at second base.ddddddddddddAsked whether Turner could take over at second, with Daniel Murphy shifting to first base to replace Ryan Zimmerman there, Rizzo said Zimmerman would be the first baseman going into this offseason and spring training.If Turner were to move to the infield, could Harper move to center?Again, Rizzo was noncommittal.I like Harper in right. I think thats his natural position. Hes really improved in right field, but hes a terrific center fielder also, the GM said.Rizzo said that right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who didnt pitch after the first week of September because of a right elbow problem, is expected to be full-go this offseason and for spring training. Other than catcher Wilson Ramos, who can become a free agent and had a right knee ligament operation this month, the team has no surgeries pending, Rizzo said. ' ' '