Vikings' Zimmer confirms Bridgewater's return to practice Wednesday

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed Monday that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been cleared and will practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a major knee injury in August 2016.

Zimmer said the Vikings intend to ease the quarterback back into action.

"He hasn't practiced in 14 months," said Zimmer.

The Vikings reportedly expect the young pivot to play this season and apparently plan to elevate Bridgewater from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-man roster by next week. At which point, it will be a matter of getting healthy enough for game action.

Backup Case Keenum has been forced into action with Sam Bradford battling a lingering knee injury, so the prospect of Bridgewater returning to an NFL field - especially considering the seriousness of his injury - should be a significant boost to Minnesota.