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.

By one measure, Vikings' schedule is actually relatively easy
The Latest: Joseph Newgarden wins in Alabama for 3rd time

Fletcher's legacy: Playoff years marked by early exits

StarTribune.com welcomes and encourages readers to comment and engage in substantive, mutually respectful exchanges over news topics. Commenters must follow our Terms of Use.
Comments will be reviewed before being published.