Vikings Coach Calls Teddy Bridgewater’s Injury “Significant” [Updated]

August 30, 2016, 6:10pm

Teddy Bridgewater went down during team practice on Tuesday with a non-contact leg injury, which more often than not means something very bad happened. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters that the injury was significant, but did not give any further information. Though Zimmer did not rule out the quarterback’s return at some point later in the season, it doesn’t sound promising. Bridgewater was given sedatives, according to Zimmer, and is scheduled to have a MRI.

Zimmer establishing the Vikings’ mindset going forward pic.twitter.com/8ijJArnkvG
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) August 30, 2016

Practice was called off after the injury—which occurred about 20 minutes in—because the rest of the team was so devastated about the situation.

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Teddy bridgewater just went down looks serious Vikings end practice
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 30, 2016

Bridgewater being looked at players praying
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 30, 2016

Teddy bridgewater had several players on their knees around him praying including Adrian Peterson
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 30, 2016

It was a simple drill and suddenly Teddy Bridgewater had gone down in a heap and was holding his left knee and players yelled in agony
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 30, 2016

Bad scene in #Vikings camp. Teddy Bridgewater was reportedly seen crying in training room. The team thinks he tore his ACL & meniscus.
— Ian Rapoport (@SportsTalkJoe) August 30, 2016

Oof. Bridgewater was eventually taken away via ambulance. The Vikings will release more details later, but according to one Philly-based radio guy—taken together with Rapoport’s information—it sounds like this was an incredibly ugly injury, which you might have already assumed given the description of the player reactions.

Report from eye witness at #Vikings camp. QB Teddy Bridgewater “his leg snapped and his knee was flailing around” @FOX29philly
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) August 30, 2016

Bridgewater was set to begin his third season as a pro, and the Vikings had high expectations for 2016, with an aging yet still effective Adrian Peterson coming off another year leading the league in rushing, as well as improved defense. Shaun Hill is the de facto starter under center for now, but there are several quarterbacks available, or soon-to-be available, that Minnesota could bring in, including Colin Kaepernick and Mark Sanchez.

Update: On Tuesday night, the Vikings released a statement from 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.“