Zimmer Denies Reports that Teddy Won’t Start Sunday Because of Slippery Field(s) in London, Says “We’ll See”
Joe Johnson
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It was reported early yesterday that we would have to wait until after the Bye to watch Teddy Bridgewater’s triumphant return from a devastating knee injury as the Vikings were concerned about the slippery fields that London is notorious for in its outdoor stadiums (thanks to the fact that London as a whole is notorious for fog and rain) and what that could mean for his surgically repaired leg. Despite the fact that Teddy has been cleared by his doctor(s) to return to practice (which basically means he’s cleared to play, as well, at least medically) there still hasn’t been word on when he’ll return and while many think that means more than it does, it really just means that he has to learn how to run the offense on the field as opposed to simply from the playbook/sideline. Keep in mind that Teddy hasn’t played under Pat Shurmur before, so he may need a week or two to actually learn the nuances of that offense and also to just shake off any general rust that he acquired over the past year and a half. So, while a lot of people thought we wouldn’t see him at all this season (like me), it makes a lot more sense for him to return after the Bye along with Stefon Diggs (despite the reports that he may play in London which I think would be a bad idea because he has a soft tissue injury and those need rest and to not be rushed back too soon, especially when it’s not necessary), at least it does until you look at who the Vikings face after the Bye.
On one hand, the Vikings really don’t need improved play at the quarterback position to beat a Browns team that is 0-7 on the season and in complete disarray at their QB position (and that also lost their left tackle in Joe Thomas) and while the offense struggled to get going during the first half against the Ravens, their defense has played well enough to allow them to do just that and while they’ll be missing safety Andrew Sendejo against the Browns they should hold up pretty well regardless of who they face at the QB position. On the other hand, if they do want Teddy to shake off some of that rust then there’s probably no better game for him to do just that than the Browns game. Considering they face the Redskins and Rams after the bye, again, that game could be the “pre-season” game that Teddy needs to figure things out. While the ‘Skins aren’t a powerhouse the Vikings have struggled against them and Kurt Cousins in recent years so it’d help to have Bridgewater performing at a high level (and also to have Stefon Diggs).
One thing that I didn’t include in the title is that Zimmer smiled wryly when asked if Teddy could come back Sunday. There’s really no reason for him not to, at least medically, as when his doctors approved him to play in practice that’s the same as clearing him for actual games and that means that the only reason they’re holding him out is that he needs the practice time. He’s had time to learn the playbook on the sidelines and so it was more about timing and the like and he’s had a week of practice which helps, as does the fact that the receivers and tight end are comprised of mostly the same personnel that were on the team before he went down with his injury. So, I’d give it about 75:25 that he will indeed play this Sunday as I do think they’ll want him to get some real time before they go into the post-Bye portion of the season.
The Vikings are extremely tight-lipped about this sort of thing so I don’t imagine to actually know that until Sunday, but stay tuned to purplePTSD.com or VikingsTerritory.com for that and all Vikings related news, opinions and content!