Teddy Bridgewater is done for the 2016 season
The Minnesota Vikings suffered a major setback to their 2016 season during practice today, when quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, went down with what is being reported as a non-contact injury. The third-year quarterback was participating in a passing drill and suffered the injury when he dropped back to throw a pass. He planted his leg and suddenly fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee.
Upon seeing Bridgewater on the ground, players immediately knew something was wrong and some began slamming their helmets to the ground and shouting expletives, while others dropped to knee and started praying. All were concerned as practice was called off and the injured quarterback was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The injury puts the Vikings’ season in serious jeopardy.
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An MRI on Bridgewater’s injured left knee has confirmed that he is suffering from a dislocated knee and a completely torn ACL with structural damage, but no arterial or nerve complications. He will have surgery in the next couple of days and is expected to make a full recovery. With confirmation of such a serious injury, Bridgewater has already been ruled for the entire 2016 season.
The loss is considered to be a major blow to the Vikings’ and places their hopes of making it to the Super Bowl this year in serious doubt. The quarterback position affects everything the team does. With the loss of Bridgewater, they figure to lean more heavily on the defense and running game. The Vikings find themselves in a similar predicament as the Dallas Cowboys were in last year after they lost starting quarterback, Tony Romo, to a back injury. However, all is not lost as the Denver Broncos succeeded despite quarterback concerns. They managed to win the Super Bowl and found success employing a strategy similar to the approach the Vikings will be forced to take.
Backup Shaun Hill, has been thrust into the starting role and will be the team’s quarterback for their regular season opener with the Tennessee Titans. Hill’s limitations are a concern as his arm strength lacks the ability to attack the sidelines or throw deep downfield. Hill’s lack of ability compresses the field and leaves the offense with a more intermediate passing range.
Hill looks to fill the void left by Bridgewater but the Vikings will need to add another arm to their roster. The hunt has already begun as the team has reportedly been talking with the Denver Broncos about acquiring Mark Sanchez. Other names of interest that are already floating around are Mike Glennon from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Josh McCown of the Cleveland Browns. Another possibility could be to bring Matt Cassel back as he already has familiarity with the system or even Colin Kaepernick who is supposed to be released from the San Francisco 49’ers at any moment.
The loss of Bridgewater was felt hard by more than just coaches and teammates. It was an upsetting day for emotionally invested Vikings’ fans as well. In what was supposed to be a memorable season for all involved has quickly become a source of frustration and disappointment. For the Vikings, 2016 promised to be a season of hope with the team moving into their new home and Super Bowl aspirations within reach. While hope still exists that team is able to salvage their season, the road just got a little more difficult.
– Miles Dittberner, is a Managing Editor at cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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