Teddy Bridgewater practices with team for 1st time since knee injury

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (KMSP) - Teddy Bridgewater is back on the practice field. 

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback participated in practice Wednesday for the first time since his season-ending knee injury last August. Bridgewater was reportedly cleared to practice after a post-operation exam on his knee. 

He is expected to talk to the media Thursday about his return. 

Bridgewater was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start the season. The quarterback missed all of the 2016 season after tearing his ACL and dislocating his knee during a non-contact drill in a preseason practice last year. Bridgewater nearly lost his leg to the injury.

Dr. Thompkins, Orthopaedic Surgeon at TRIA Orthopaedics in Bloomington, said it typically takes someone at least two years to rehab, and even then it's unclear if their knee will ever be the same.

"You have to build all the neuro-muscular function - the mechanics, the strength - all of that back and for someone to of course play at an NFL level takes a lot to build all of that back," he said.

Following Bridgewater’s injury, the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford, who opened this season with a 346-yards, three-touchdown opening win game against the New Orleans Saints -- a 29-19 Vikings victory. But Bradford has been dealing with a knee injury of his own this season, making Case Keenum QB1 for Minnesota.

Reports have indicated the Vikings expect Bridgewater to play this season.

However, Paul Charchian with KFAN Radio said he thinks the team will move cautiously with Bridgewater.

"I don't think Teddy is going to be playing anytime soon, honestly," he said.

But, he says everyone is rooting for Bridgewater to eventually lead the team again.

“The Viking fan base, from the moment Teddy went down, has been on his side to come back. As good as Sam Bradford was in stretches, they wanted Teddy back. As good as Case Keenum is right now, everybody wants Teddy back."