Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater makes long awaited return to the field in blowout over Bengals

Teddy Bridgewater patiently waited his chance to play after fully recovering from a catastrophic knee injury.

December 17, 2017 at 10:27PM

Teddy Bridgewater made his return to NFL action on Sunday with the Vikings beating up on the injury-riddled Bengals.

Bridgewater, seeing his first game snaps since the 2016 preseason, entered in the fourth quarter with the Vikings leading 34-0 on the verge of an 11th win and NFC North division title. Bridgewater wore a brace supporting his surgically-repaired left knee, which is nearly 16 months recovered from a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments suffered during a non-contact practice drill Aug. 30, 2016.

Starting quarterback Case Keenum took a seat after securing his 10th win for the Vikings, completing 20 of 23 passes for 236 yards and two passing touchdowns. Keenum added a 20-yard scramble on the opening drive.

The banged-up Bengals defense is theoretically a decent setup for Bridgewater's return, since the quarterback has practiced against a similar defensive scheme throughout his career. Cincinnati has also been without a slew of starting defenders due to injury this week.

The Vikings activated Bridgewater from the Physically Unable to Perform list last month. He's since entered six games as Keenum's backup, including Sunday.

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked for a receiver before throwing his first pass - an interception - moments after returning to playing after a knee injury more than a year ago.
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked for a receiver before throwing his first pass - an interception - moments after returning to playing after a knee injury more than a year ago. (Brian Stensaas — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

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