Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is not expected to play Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.

ESPN reported Bridgewater’s left ankle is not healthy enough for the team to consider risking his long-term health just four days after the rookie was carted to the locker room with a high ankle sprain. Coach Mike Zimmer indicated an MRI exam and X-rays showed no major damage, but Bridgewater remains doubtful for the NFC North meeting with the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Bridgewater passed for 317 yards and ran for a touchdown against the Falcons in his fist career start.

Zimmer said earlier in the week the plan was to have Bridgewater start running on the ankle to prepare for the game. Zimmer sounded confident that the 2014 first-round draft pick will be ready for the game, but he might have been overruled.

If Bridgewater can’t go, his replacement would be former Vikings starter Christian Ponder, who would go from third string to the No. 1 quarterback in the span of three weeks.

Ponder, 26, has 35 career starts with 38 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.