Report: Teddy Bridgewater cleared to play against Raiders in Week 10

Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared to play on Sunday

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a significant injury scare on a questionable hit to the head from cornerback Lamarcus Joyner in last Sunday’s 21-18 win against the St. Louis Rams.

Bridgewater suffered a concussion, but after a week of evaluation from the Vikings’ medical staff, the second-year pro will be good to go in Sunday’s Week 10 game on the road against the Oakland Raiders:

Bridgewater has guided the Vikings to a 6-2 start, which has them tied with the Green Bay Packers for first place in the NFC North. The Vikings have the opportunity to take the division lead this Sunday with a win, as well as a Packers loss.

Despite a great start for head coach Mike Zimmer’s team in his second season, Bridgewater hasn’t looked completely comfortable all season. Through eight games, he has just 1,670 passing yards, six touchdowns to six interceptions and an 83.4 quarterback rating — roughly middle of the pack. Having All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson back in the fold has certainly helped.

Still, it’s a great sign that Bridgewater will be playing in Week 10. At 4-4, the Raiders have been a much improved team under head coach Jack Del Rio this season primarily because of their young offense led by quarterback Derek Carr, running back Latavius Murray, as well as wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. That defense, though, has been ghastly lately.

The Raiders give up 411 yards of offense per game, 30th in the NFL, and are dead last against the pass, averaging 314 yards through the air against opposing teams. Bridgewater has faced some stingy pass defenses already this season, so the Raiders will be a much needed break to try and help him get going coming off the injury.

Despite his so-so play, the Vikings will need a healthy Bridgewater to continue making the playoff push this season.