Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has vowed to return to full health following a horrific knee injury on Tuesday.
In a statement released by the Vikings Thursday afternoon, Bridgewater was appreciative of the supportive messages he's received since suffering a torn ACL and dislocated knee during Tuesday's practice.
"I want to thank the (Vikings owner Zygi) Wilf Family and the entire Vikings organization, all of my teammates, friends, Eric Sugarman and the amazing Vikings athletic training staff and the fans who have sent me messages and wished me well," the third-year quarterback said. "Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me and have helped me in this difficult time. There are great players and great leaders in our locker room who are going to fight to the end to reach the goals we set for 2016. I will be there mentally, physically and in spirit to support them accomplish those goals.
"In order to have a testimony, you have to have a test. I come from amazing DNA, I watched my mom fight and win against breast cancer. We will, as a team, attack my rehab with the same vigor and energy. My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied."
The Vikings have said they anticipate Bridgewater will make a full recovery and his statement Thursday reaffirmed that expectation.
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Without Bridgewater, the Vikings will turn to journeyman veteran Shaun Hill with undrafted rookie Joel Stave and Brad Sorensen, a seventh-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2013, as Hill's backups.
The Vikings, who play the Los Angeles Rams Thursday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, will open the regular season Sept. 11 at Tennessee.