Teddy Bridgewater injury update: Still no timetable for return
After a career-altering knee injury late last preseason, the status of Teddy Bridgewater is still a big unknown for the Minnesota Vikings.
When Teddy Bridgewater went down with a severe left knee injury very late last preseason, the Minnesota Vikings were put in a very difficult position. The trade acquisition of Sam Bradford was a worthy band-aid, particularly during a 5-0 start to the season, but the Vikings finished out of the playoffs at 8-8.
The Vikings started out as very vague about Bridgewater’s status, including head coach Mike Zimmer expressing outright uncertainty during an ESPN appearance in January. But general manager Rick Spielman’s tune was more pessimistic in February, with the idea Bridgewater not be back at all.
Spielman met with the media again on Tuesday, heading into the draft later this week. Of course Bridgewater’s recovery came up, and Spielman came off with a bit more, however cautious, optimism.
Rick Spielman said Teddy Bridgewater when he comes back is still unknown but he said he had a great first week of offseason work.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 25, 2017
Rick Spielman called Teddy Bridgewater "incredible'' in the way he has worked to come back from his injury but still says no timeline on him
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 25, 2017
It would be surprising if Bridgewater suits up at all during the 2017 season, and his status beyond that is still extremely uncertain. Sam Bradford is going to be the starter again, in the final year of his contract, but an extension is apparently not necessarily an urgent priority for the Vikings. At minimum, Spielman is not willing to talk about it publicly.
Rick Spielman said he wouldn't talk about a possible contract extension with Sam Bradford.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 25, 2017
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2017: Quarterbacks dominate first round
The Vikings will pretty much have to pick up their 2018 fifth-year option on Bridgewater, before the deadline to do so next week. But there are no real guarantees of anything right now with Minnesota’s quarterback situation, beyond next season anyway, with everything contingent on the ongoing evaluation of Bridgewater’s recovery.