Minnesota Vikings’ Teddy Bridgewater Unlikely To Start Against Packers

By Michael Terrill @MichaelTerrill on October 2, 2014

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If the Minnesota Vikings want any chance of defeating the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, they will need rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to play at a high level. Unfortunately, the rumor mill has been running hard this morning, with the latest news being that Bridgewater is unlikely to make the Week 5 start.

As of right now, the Vikings will not make a decision about their signal caller until approximately 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Obviously, Bridgewater wants to play, which makes sense after he helped dismantle the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. However, Minnesota has no intention of pushing him to the point that his injured ankle weakens. The last thing the team wants is for him to miss any more time than necessary. If team doctors suggest there is a possibility that playing tonight will make it worse, the Vikings will sit him.

Earlier this morning, there was talk that Minnesota does not want to sit him because they honestly believe Christian Ponder has no shot of defeating Green Bay at Lambeau Field on two days of practice. With that said, the realization that Bridgewater could miss significant time if he is unable to get decent rest is too big of a warning to ignore.

Bridgewater has been efficient in two appearances this season. It is true that he has yet to throw a touchdown pass, but at the same time, he also has not thrown an interception. His 1-1 record and 92.7 passer rating proves that his limited mistakes will give the Vikings a great chance to win this season. Not to mention, the threat of running has forced defenses to keep an eye on him.

Even if Bridgewater plays, Minnesota still has the difficult task of playing Green Bay on their home field four days after the Packers embarrassed the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. For that reason above all else, the Vikings will most likely be content with sitting Bridgewater.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.