Teddy Bridgewater made his return to NFL action on Sunday with the Vikings beating up on the injury-riddled Bengals.

Bridgewater, seeing his first game snaps since the 2016 preseason, entered in the fourth quarter with the Vikings leading 34-0 on the verge of an 11th win and NFC North division title. Bridgewater wore a brace supporting his surgically-repaired left knee, which is nearly 16 months recovered from a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments suffered during a non-contact practice drill Aug. 30, 2016.

Starting quarterback Case Keenum took a seat after securing his 10th win for the Vikings, completing 20 of 23 passes for 236 yards and two passing touchdowns. Keenum added a 20-yard scramble on the opening drive.

The banged-up Bengals defense is theoretically a decent setup for Bridgewater’s return, since the quarterback has practiced against a similar defensive scheme throughout his career. Cincinnati has also been without a slew of starting defenders due to injury this week.

The Vikings activated Bridgewater from the Physically Unable to Perform list last month. He’s since entered six games as Keenum’s backup, including Sunday.

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked for a receiver before throwing his first pass - an interception - moments after returning to playing after a knee injury more than a year ago.