As Teddy Bridgewater makes progress recovering from the horrible knee injury he suffered last summer, current starter Sam Bradford remains the team’s starting quarterback.
It’s a good problem for the Minnesota Vikings to have. Bridgewater had previously been seen as the quarterback of the future after Minnesota made him a first-round pick back in 2014. Ultimately, the former Louisville standout would lead the Vikings to the postseason as a rookie.
But the life-threatening injury Bridgewater suffered during training camp last summer muted his progression. It also forced Minnesota to trade for Bradford, who would go on to put up the best performance of his career.
Now, with both quarterbacks taking part in the Vikings’ OTAs, Bradford himself doesn’t appear to be looking over his shoulder.
“You’re always trying to earn your spot,” Bradford said, via the Star Tribune. “I think in this business you have to step on the field every day and prove it regardless of where you’re at or who you are.”
At this point, it’s safe to assume Bradford will be the Vikings’ starting quarterback to open the 2017 season. Though, the former No. 1 overall pick is entering a contract year and has yet to be given an extension. That could make him the short-term answer under center until Bridgewater returns to full health (if he ever does).
Bradford himself seems to understand this.
“It really doesn’t change my approach,” Bradford said about being in limbo. “I really haven’t even thought about it to be honest with you. So it kind of is what it is and you just approach it one day at a time. My goal is to come each day and get better and that’s how I’m always going to be.”
After adding the likes of Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray and Michael Floyd to what was a struggling offense last season, Minnesota is seemingly a contender in the NFC North. How Bradford plays under center will be a determining factor when it comes to both how the Vikings perform this season and his long-term future with the team.