Vikings Zimmer Returns, Impressed By Bridgewater Progress
Mike Zimmer Returns, Impressed By Teddy Bridgewater’s Progress
Like a general returning to his post, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is back on the field. Zimmer re-joined the team in Minnesota after taking two weeks off to rest following his eighth eye surgery. During his time away, Zimmer watched a lot of film. Since his return he’s been able to watch the team firsthand. And someone in particular has caught his eye.
According to ESPN’s Ben Goessling, when Zimmer was asked about Teddy Bridgewater’s progress, he said:
“Sometimes, when you see a guy every day, you don’t notice the progress that he’s made,” Zimmer said. “I’m gone for two weeks, and obviously, he’s not on the tape. I come back yesterday, and I said, ‘Wow, Teddy looks [like] he’s moving better,’ and quite a bit better, in my opinion.”
While the Vikings quarterback has surpassed expectations regarding his rehab, Zimmer noted Bridgewater still has a long recovery ahead of him. The signal caller has been impatient because he wants to practice with the team, but the Vikings are taking the best long-term approach to his rehab and overall health.
Fresh off his 61st birthday, Zimmer’s remarks indicate his full faith in the 24 year-old quarterback has not wavered. Despite Bridgewater’s injury, the young man remains arguably the most influential leader in the Vikings locker room.
Bridgewater was given the “green light” to move onto more intense rehab exercises. Team doctors will have the final say on when Bridgewater re-joins the team for practice.