Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have lost Teddy Bridgewater for the entire season and details are slowly emerging about the severity of his knee injury…
As Minnesota Vikings fans came to grips with the grim reality that they would face the 2016 season without quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the NFL world collectively held its breath awaiting his medical fate and what exactly he is facing physically.
It's not good, but it certainly could have been worse…
This is, without question, the most bizarre injury of the preseason and almost undoubtedly the most impactful. The Vikings were not only probably the favorites to repeat as division champions in the NFC North, they were also considered to be a legitimate contender to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
It's not impossible to think this team could still make the playoffs with as talented a roster as they have, but it's unlikely they'll get past some of the other elite teams in the NFC without their young star quarterback.
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Bridgewater, from what I have seen, was making great strides in his game this preseason. Not only is he beloved by teammates and coaches, he's earned the respect of his peers around the league as one of the best all-around guys in the NFL. There have always been some questions about Bridgewater's ability to push the ball deep downfield, but he had clearly made some improvements in that area this offseason.
This injury is absolutely devastating for the Vikings, who have to decide between veteran backup Shaun Hill and perhaps a street free agent. They could also look to upgrade the position via trade, but 'upgrade' might be a stretch in that regard. Good quarterbacks are just generally not available this time of year.
The Vikings will have to hope and pray for a Kurt Warner-like resurgence of Shaun Hill's career, and perhaps that someone would become available that can help them out.
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