Vikings backup QB to miss start of camp with bizarre injury

Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings reported to training camp on Thursday, and the mystery surrounding backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s injury has been cleared up.

When the Minnesota Vikings reported to training camp Thursday, there were immediate questions about an injury when third-string quarterback Taylor Heinicke showed up with a cast on his left foot.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer quickly tried to dismiss any concern, and it’s expected that Heinecke will be back healthy at some point during the regular season.

Via the St. Paul Pioneer Press, let’s let Heinicke tell his story:

"“I was locked out of my house after a late-night movie,’’ Heinicke said. “I came back and there’s no one home, and I’m trying to nudge the door a little. It was one of those double doors. I thought it just needed a little nudge.“Me and my buddy were getting it going a little, but when I put my foot to the door, my foot kind of slipped and it went through a window. It was just kind of a freak accident. I’m very embarrassed, but I’m just excited getting going with rehab and trying to get this going as soon as possible.”"

Heinicke needed surgery for a severed tendon in his left foot, and he is expected to miss at least the start of training camp. ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling suggested Heinicke could miss up to three months.

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Heinicke was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Vikings in 2015 after a prolific college career at Old Dominion, and he did not get into a regular season game last season. He is still probably the front-runner to be Minnesota’s third-string quarterback, but a quick return to health will help him win a possible competition with 2016 undrafted free agent Joel Stave.

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