Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater injured his left knee during a non-contact play at practice.
The injury occurred approximately 25 minutes into first team drills when Bridgewater dropped back for a pass. According to reporters on the field, he planted his leg and fell to the ground clutching his knee. The second-year-pro appeared to be in agonizing pain and unable to move, said Bridgewater’s teammates who prayed along the sideline.
The Vikings medical staff had to call for emergency services from paramedics, who immobilized the sophomore game manager and took him off the field. Coach Mike Zimmer immediately ended practice following the incident.
Teddy Bridgewater Suffers Torn ACL, Other Knee Damage; Out for Season
Later in the day, the team released a statement saying that Bridgewater suffered a torn ACL, dislocated knee as well as other structural damage. The news confirms that he will indeed miss the entire 2016 season.
.@EricSugarATC releases statement on @teddyb_h2o's significant knee injury.
READ: https://t.co/dNFt7QrEO0 pic.twitter.com/kOdaJszLP1
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 31, 2016
Entering the summer, the Vikings were touted as a viable contender in the NFC North after winning the division last season. As per NFL.com, the Vikings were ranked eighth best team overall. Last year, rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs became an explosive playmaker, while Bridgewater improved to a Pro Bowler. He threw for over 3,200 yards with 14 touchdowns.
Vikings Options For Quarterback
If the ailment is long term, the Vikings don’t have many choices at quarterback. Currently on the roster Minnesota has 36-year-old veteran quarterback Shaun Hill listed as their second stringer. Last year he played in three games, throwing two-for-seven for 15 yards. His last major stint as a starter came in 2014 with the St. Louis Rams, where he went 3-5 in eight games.
Coach Zimmer may look elsewhere around the league for his week one starter. The Denver Broncos are looking to ship out Mark Sanchez, while Geno Smith may be on his way out in New York with four quarterbacks on their roster. Notable free agents include, T.J. Yates, who just got cleared from injury, as well as Tarvaris Jackson, Rex Grossman, and Michael Vick.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 10: Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at TCFBank Stadium on January 10, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
