Teddy Bridgewater sustains complete ACL tear in practice
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater sustained a torn ACL and dislocated knee in practice Tuesday, the team announced.
Bridgewater has been placed on injured reserve and will miss the entire season. The Vikings signed Brad Sorensen, who had just been cut as the team trimmed its roster down, to pad their quarterback depth.
Bridgewater was injured on a non-contact play, causing the team to call off practice after just 25 minutes. He went down grabbing his left knee, causing players to curse aloud, according to reporters on the scene. Players then got down on one knee as medical personnel attended to Bridgewater. An ambulance then pulled up to the practice facility.
Bridgewater released a statement regarding his injury on Thursday.
“I want to thank the Wilf Family and the entire Vikings organization, all of my teammates, friends, Eric Sugarman and the amazing Vikings athletic training staff and the fans who have sent me messages and wished me well,” the quarterback said. “Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me and have helped me in this difficult time. There are great players and great leaders in our locker room who are going to fight to the end to reach the goals we set for 2016. I will be there mentally, physically and in spirit to support them accomplish those goals.
“In order to have a testimony, you have to have a test. I come from amazing DNA, I watched my mom fight and win against breast cancer,” Bridgewater continued. “We will, as a team, attack my rehab with the same vigor and energy. My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied.”
The 23-year-old will miss what would have been his third season in the league, coming off an improved 2015 campaign that saw him throw for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns, with nine interceptions. He has also rushed for a total of 410 yards and four scores in his first two years in Minnesota.
Shaun Hill is next on the depth chart and is expected to take over under center for the Vikings. Undrafted rookie Joel Stave is behind him on the depth chart.
– Kenny Ducey
