Minnesota Vikings Season Dealt Devastating Blow

The news took my breath away. A season that held so much promise now seems hopeless two weeks before it even starts.

Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is done for the entire season after suffering a serious injury during the final preseason practice of the season on Tuesday. The news was posted on Vikings.com Tuesday evening:

"Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury today at practice. 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."

What happened? Fate. Bridgewater simply dropped to throw a pass. When he planted his foot, he fell to the ground. Trainers immediately came to his aide and inflated an air cast. Bridgewater was taken from the practice field in an ambulance and the practice was ended.

This is a Vikings team with lofty expectations. Now, what do they do at quarterback? The Vikings roster lists two quarterbacks besides Bridgewater. Shaun Hill, a 15-year pro, who's started 34 games his entire career. The other is Joel Stave, a rookie from Wisconsin that we remember well here in Iowa. Neither seems like the answer for a team that many think could be among the best in the NFC. Then who? Hold on to your helmet Vikings fans.

ESPN's John Clayton believes the Vikings best option is Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers. He's been in the news lately, but not because of his prowess on the field. Hey, I told you to hold on to your helmet. Vikings fans, do we want him? If I'm being honest, I don't. Undoubtedly, there's serious meetings happening in the Twin Cities tonight trying to figure out what the next step is.

As far as Bridgewater is concerned, he's loved by coaches, teammates, and fans alike, myself included. Coach Mike Zimmer told the press before the MRI revealed the seriousness of the issue, "We're gonna grieve today and be upset about it. It's more about our feelings for Teddy and for him as a person and getting better than it is about anything else. Teddy's a great kid, and he'll be back as soon as he possibly can, if it is real bad. But we're going to keep fighting."

The fight just got a lot tougher for the team ready to open their brand new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. I believe Coach Zimmer is a tremendous coach and a fighter. His team is really going to have to follow that lead. Now, more than ever.

[via ESPN, VIkings.com, and Vikings.com]