MANKATO, Minn. — Move along, people. If there’s a quarterback
controversy you’re looking for in Minnesota, there’s nothing to see.
At least not yet.
The Vikings begin training camp following a disappointing 8-8
season with Sam Bradford as their undisputed starter, Case Keenum
or Taylor Heinicke as the contending backups, and Teddy Bridgewater
on the physically unable to perform list, still unable to play
because of the devastating left knee injury he suffered last August.
Apparently, all is well with Bradford, even though he’s entering
the final year of his contract with nary a peep said about
extending his deal. This despite the fact he arrived via trade
eight days before last season, became the starter in Week 2 and
went on to throw for 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns, five interceptions
and an NFL-record 71.6 completion percentage.
Vikings QB Sam Bradford
“My focus is to come in and get better and prepare myself for the
season,” Bradford said. “Nothing has changed (with his contract).
If something changes, then I would look at it. But at this time,
it’s not really on my radar.”
Meanwhile, Bridgewater spoke Thursday for the first time publicly
since the knee injury happened. He insisted that his career is not
in jeopardy and insisted that doctors have never told him it was.
“That’s the good thing about all this,” he said. “I know I get to
continue to live out my dream. I don’t know when it’s going to
happen, but for me, I know it’s going to happen.”
Bridgewater said he doesn’t have a target date for his return. And
he’s not afraid to take that first hit, even though his knee gave
out without any contact.
“That first initial hit or contact will tell me, ‘Hey, I can do
this,'” Bridgewater said. “If I can do it one time, I know I can do
it forever.”
Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater
As for whether he or Bradford leads this team long-term,
Bridgewater said that’s not something he’s thinking about.
“Right now, I can’t even think long-term,” Bridgewater said. “It’s
one day at a time because within a blink of an eye, it was taken
away from me (last year). I have to focus just on Teddy. Try to get
healthy first and the rest will take care of itself.
“My goals are the same. If anything, (the injury) motivated me to
want more out of this game and out of life.”
Meanwhile, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman knows that a
decision day on the 24-year-old Teddy or the 29-year-old Sam is
coming. But apparently not anytime soon. So …
“Those calls will come in time,” Spielman said. “I think we are
very fortunate to have two quarterbacks like that on our roster. I
know what Sam did was unbelievable for the circumstances.”
One thing working in the Vikings’ favor is terms of Bridgewater’s
contract. Although he’s also entering the final year of his deal,
the Vikings would retain his rights for 2018 if Bridgewater remains
on PUP during the regular season.
Bridgewater clearly has made progress, but no one is quite sure
when it will be safe to put him back on the field.
“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,” Spielman said. “So, I’d rather face those type of
questions or issues as we move forward and it’ll play itself out.”
Meanwhile, Bradford said he doesn’t anticipate a distraction
developing between Bridgewater and him, or teammates who might line
up behind one or the other someday.
“It really doesn’t change the way I approach things,” he said. “My
goal is to come in and get better. To be the best player I can be.
The other stuff is up to the coaches.”
And the general manager. And possibly ownership. Because one day,
the Vikings will have to make Teddy or Sam the long-term face of
the franchise. But that day has not arrived.