Bridgewater: 'My purpose will not be denied'

Teddy Bridgewater's season was brought to an unfortunate end Tuesday when he suffered a torn ACL and a dislocated knee in a non-contact drill on the practice field.

In his first public comments since, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback thanked both the organization and fans for their support, while pledging to "attack" the rehab that lies ahead.

From Bridgewater's statement, released through the team Thursday:

I want to thank the 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. 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.

Bridgewater was officially placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

While each team has the ability to reactivate one player from that list during the season, the significance of his injury is expected to keep him out the entire year.

The 23-year-old will spend the season working his way back to health, looking to be ready in time for the 2016 season - where he'd undoubtedly return as the starter.

Shaun Hill steps into the starting role heading into Week 1, and barring the addition of another veteran signal-caller, undrafted free agent Joel Stave slots in as his primary backup.