Bad news coming out of Minnesota this morning as Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that there is no timeline for the return of Teddy Bridgewater. Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, however, offered an unofficial and potential return window of March 2018, leaving Bridgewater’s entire 2017 season in doubt.
Teddy Bridgewater’s Entire 2017 Season in Doubt
Teddy Bridgewater first sustained the injury, a torn ACL and severely dislocated knee, on August 30th, 2016, forcing the Vikings to acquire Sam Bradford in a controversial trade with the Philadelphia Eagles before the start of the season.
Bridgewater’s left knee was surgically repaired on September 9th, not long after the injury occurred. However, its severity had left his career in question. Despite the gravity surrounding the situation, Bridgewater was immediately optimistic about his recovery, stating on September 1st, “In order to have a testimony, you have to have a test. I come from amazing DNA, I watched my mom fight and win against breast cancer. We will, as a team, attack my rehab with the same vigor and energy. My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied.”
One has to wonder if the Vikings feel the same way though. While Sam Bradford had a less-than-stellar year, there’s an argument to be made that Minnesota’s offensive ineptitude came from other factors. A plethora of injuries, including the loss of Adrian Peterson and an ever-shifting offensive line; the resignation of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, and complete lack of competence from the Vikings’ run-game were all far more damaging to their offense than Bradford’s conservative dink-and-dunk style of play.
If Adrian Peterson returns, or if the Vikings draft a capable rookie like Dalvin Cook to assist Bradford, he may be a more intriguing option for the future. He is a capable game manager and possesses elite accuracy. That goes well with a defense oriented team like Mike Zimmer’s Vikings.
Bridgewater would not only be relearning the Vikings offense, but re-acclimating to the entire game after nearly two years of hiatus. This is especially condemning as Bridgewater was more of a developmental prospect, lacking the immediate successes of Dak Prescott or Marcus Mariota.
It is also possible that the Vikings choose to draft an entirely new quarterback. In either scenario, Teddy Bridgewater’s future is, at the moment, sadly uncertain.
