Minnesota Vikings Announce Teddy Bridgewater Tore His ACL

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Minnesota Vikings announced that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has torn his ACL in a non-contact injury.

The Minnesota Vikings just can’t have nice things.

After widespread panic enveloped the fan base on Twitter Tuesday morning, the worst fears for Teddy Bridgewater’s non-contact knee injury were confirmed in the evening.

The team released a statement on the quarterback’s status, noting that the injury was quickly identified as a dislocated knee. The ensuing MRI also revealed that Bridgewater had torn his ACL and that there was other structural damage.

From Vikings director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman:

"“Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury today at practice. The injury was quickly identified as a dislocated knee. The injury was stabilized, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. After undergoing an MRI, it was determined that Teddy suffered a complete tear to his ACL and other structural damage.Fortunately, there appears to be no nerve or arterial damage. Surgical repair will be scheduled within the next few days. Although the recovery time will be significant, we expect Teddy to make a full recovery. I would like to thank all of the medical professionals and our athletic training staff for all of their help today. Teddy has already displayed the attitude needed to overcome this injury and attack his rehab.”"

It’s good that Bridgewater is expected to make a full recovery, but the word “eventually” should be attached in there somewhere.

Heading into his third season, Bridgewater and his Vikings were expected to be contenders in the NFC. In his second season, Teddy completed 292 passes for 3,231 yards and 14 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for three more rushing touchdowns while leading Minnesota to their first playoff berth since 2012.

The Vikings lost that NFC Wild Card game, 10-9, to the Seattle Seahawks after kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining.

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

Unfortunately for Minnesota, it appears as though a potential breakthrough season may have to wait until Bridgewater is back on the field.