Vikings activate Bridgewater, place Bradford on IR

The Minnesota Vikings officially activated quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from the physically unable to perform list Wednesday.

Quarterback Sam Bradford was placed on injured reserve, potentially ending his season, to make room on the 53-man roster.

Wednesday was the Vikings' deadline to either activate Bridgewater or choose to end his season. He'll reportedly back up Case Keenum on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

Bradford has played just one half since an excellent performance in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints. He was hurt in that game, then re-aggravated the injury in his Week 5 outing against the Chicago Bears and was replaced by Keenum.

Bridgewater hasn't played a regular-season game since 2015 after suffering a debilitating knee injury in a preseason practice last year.

In just 29 games played since being selected 32nd overall, Bridgewater completed 64.9 percent of his 849 passing attempts, totaling 6,150 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions - though he cut down on his aerial mistakes drastically in his sophomore season. He's added 401 career rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Keenum, signed this past offseason to serve as the backup to Bradford, has performed admirably in his fifth year in the league while making six starts and one relief appearance. He's completed 63.9 percent of 233 attempts for 1,610 yards and seven touchdowns, with three interceptions.

His career-best 88.8 passer rating has earned Keenum at least one more start, but the 6-2 Vikings, who lead the NFC North by two wins, could turn to the superior Bridgewater whenever he's deemed fully ready.