Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater discusses knee recovery: 'I’m in it for the long haul'

It's been nearly a year since Teddy Bridgewater was whisked away from the Minnesota Vikings practice field in an ambulance after suffering a devastating knee injury that ended his 2016 season before it started while tossing the quarterback's NFL future into doubt.

Thursday, he publicly talked about his ordeal, subsequent progress and vow to return for the first time since he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament and suffered other structural damage in a non-contact drill on Aug. 30, 2016.

"You have some days, you don’t see the progress, but it’s a long process," Bridgewater said at Vikings training camp in Mankato, Minn. "I’m in it for the long haul. It’s a roller coaster you go on; I’ve had so much support. I’ve had more great days than I’ve had bad days.”

A first-round pick in 2014, Bridgewater won 17 of his 28 NFL starts, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015 after leading Minnesota to the NFC North crown.

However the team did not pick up his contract option for 2018 given the uncertainty about his future. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list Wednesday.

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Bridgewater said doctors have given no indication he can't continue his career.

"I know it's gonna happen," he said of the comeback he's working toward.

For now, Bridgewater is focused on the near-term objectives of his rehab while the offense remains in the hands of veteran quarterback Sam Bradford, who was acquired shortly after Bridgewater was hurt last summer. Both quarterbacks are scheduled to be free agents after the season.

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“Right now I can’t even think long-term. Within a blink of an eye, it was taken away from me," said Bridgewater. "Right now, I’m just focusing on Teddy.”

There is still no timetable for the return of a player beloved in Minnesota's locker room. Before Thursday, updates on Bridgewater's progress had been limited to social media. Now, he just looks forward to clearing more hurdles as he continues to attack his rehabilitation regimen.

"That first initial hit or contact will tell me I can do this. If I can do it one time, I can do it forever," he said, while admitting he's still re-learning his body's capabilities and assessing its readiness for the rigors of the NFL.

He also thanked the team's training staff for reacting quickly when he was first hurt as well as the teammates who have continued to back him.

"I remember being out there laying on the ground," Bridgewater recalled. "The biggest thing I remember is the guys supporting me, holding my hand and praying for me. It says a lot about the character of the guys we have around here.”

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Bridgewater "inspires me" while offering guarded optimism.

"For him right now where he's at is remarkable," said Zimmer.

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Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

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