Vikings HC Zimmer: Bridgewater 'progressing well' in recovery

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer appeared to be optimistic about Teddy Bridgewater's recovery, as the quarterback works his way back from a devastating knee injury that held him out of the entire 2016 season.

Bridgewater tore his ACL on a non-contact play last August and is gradually recovering with the 2017 season on the horizon. The quarterback will almost certainly be unable to begin the season, but is working out in the team facilities, much to Zimmer's satisfaction.

"I don't watch him every single day because he's over there off to the side while we're practicing," Zimmer said to ESPN. "But the reports I get are all positive. And he knows where he's at and where he's got to get to. I think he's progressing well."

Zimmer added that Bridgewater would only come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list once he shows the ability to protect himself and range of motion requisite for a starting quarterback.

In an attempt to salvage their season in 2016, the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford after Bridgewater suffered his knee injury - a move that Zimmer harbors no regrets about.

"I still think the trade was the right trade for us," Zimmer said. "Obviously, it was a freak thing that happened with Teddy, but I don't know, I guess you always handle it the best way you can and try to figure it out."

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