Minnesota Vikings: Bridgewater Possibly Finished

The Minnesota Vikings lost their star quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, to a season-ending injury in 2016. Recent reports further suggest that the injury may be much worse.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, NFL doctors see signs that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will never play again. Although VIkings fans haven’t necessarily suffered the loss of Bridgewater this season due to Sam Bradford’s play, he is a fan favorite who showed great improvement and potential in the offseason.

Luckily for the Minnesota Vikings, Sam Bradford has shown that he fits the offense like a glove. Bradford is under contract until after the 2017 season, so the Vikings have the option of keeping the passer around if Bridgewater’s injury were to spill into next season. Now, however, the concerns about his career in the NFL are likely all that is on the minds of the Vikings and their fans.

Will Brinson of CBS sports was quoted:

"“Teddy Bridgewater continues to rehab in Minnesota and he is making progress. Nearly two months after he dislocated his knee, Bridgewater is making strides and Vikings officials are pleased with where he’s at. But other doctors around the league know there are no guarantees Bridgewater will be able to return to the type of quarterback he was, if he makes it back to the NFL at all. As one doctor who’s worked with NFL teams said this week, ‘If he didn’t make it back, it wouldn’t surprise me. This is a bad injury, about the worst knee injury a player can have.'”"

Teddy Bridgewater tore his ACL and dislocated his knee without contact during practice. The damage to the knee isn’t as simple as a usual ACL tear, and that is why doctors say it is one of the worst possible injuries for a player to have.

Possibly the most discouraging aspect of this news is the fact that Bridgewater appeared ready to take the next step in the preseason. His biggest flaw, the deep ball, seemed to be a problem of the past as he effortlessly chucked beautiful strikes downfield into the bucket.

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Although Sam Bradford is obviously playing at a high level, especially in terms of Vikings quarterbacks, Bridgewater brought his own unique skill set to the offense. Not only was Bridgewater an excellent scrambler, but he also excelled at playing mistake-free football. The Vikings rarely blew anyone out, but Bridgewater made crucial plays when it counted.

Teddy Bridgewater’s poise easily shined as his best attribute. Despite his young age, Bridgewater was cool, calm and collected in the pressure cooker. Some fans were critical of Bridgewater’s play while more intelligent fans recognized his winning ways and the potential for the first Vikings franchise quarterback in a long time.

Next: Can Andrew Wiggins Deliver on Hype?

If Bridgewater’s career does end early, make no mistake–the Minnesota Vikings will have lost a star.