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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater suffers torn ACL, dislocated knee

USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes against the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a dislocated left knee at Tuesday's practice, the team confirmed.

Bridgewater is expected to miss the upcoming season, but he did not suffer nerve damage and is eventually expected to make a full recovery.

"Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury today at practice," trainer Eric Sugarman said in a statement. "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."

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Bridgewater left the practice in an ambulance after the injury.

Entering his third year as a starter, Bridgewater was expected to taken on an even bigger role in the Vikings' offense this season. He threw for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns with nine interceptions last year and helped lead the Vikings to their first NFC North title since 2009.

"We're not going to stick our heads in the sand, tuck our tail between our legs. ... We're going to fight like we always do," Zimmer said before the extent of the injury was announced. 

NFL players react after Teddy Bridgewater suffers significant knee injury

The Vikings have few existing options at quarterback beyond Bridgewater. Veteran Shaun Hill, 36, is the backup but has started just eight games in the last five years. Undrafted rookie Joel Stave from Wisconsin is the only other active quarterback currently on the roster. Taylor Heinicke, who is trying to hold off Stave to retain the third quarterback spot, is on the non-football injury list.

Asked about the team's outlook without Bridgewater, Zimmer said, "My wife passed away 7 years ago and it was a tough day, but the sun still came up the next day."

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