Vikings QB Bridgewater focused on 'one day at a time'

Jul 27, 2017 - 6:21 PM Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater addressed reporters on Thursday for the first time since dislocating his left knee and tearing the ACL at the outset of training camp in 2016.

"Right now, I can't even think long term," said the 24-year-old Bridgewater, who was placed on the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday.

"I have to take it one day at a time. Like I said, within the blink of an eye, it was taken away from me. Right now, I have to just focus on Teddy. Try to get healthy, and the rest will take care of itself."

The former first-round pick not only faces health hurdles but quarterback Sam Bradford, who was acquired before the start of the 2016 season. Bradford established an NFL single-season record for completion percentage (71.6) while passing for 3,877 yards and 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

Bridgewater, the Vikings' 2014 first-round pick, is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, when he passed for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

"I know Teddy and what he means to this organization and how hard he has worked in his rehab to get back on the field as quickly as he can. ... I'd rather face those type of questions or issues as we move forward and it'll play itself out, I'm sure," general manager Rick Spielman said.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters he's surprised by the speed of Bridgewater's recovery.

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

Bridgewater is taking his rehab in stride, however.

"Right now, I'm still in the process of learning my body all over again," Bridgewater said. "And it's been fun because you learn new things about yourself that you didn't know before. And you find different strengths and weaknesses and you try to tweak everything so that everything is a strength. Right now, I'm focusing on my overall body from head to toe. And that's just what's most important."