Vikings

Peter King Backtracks on Report of Teddy Bridgewater's Nerve Damage

Photo Credit: Kyle Hansen

Minnesota Vikings fans were up in arms Monday morning over a report from Peter King of The MMQB that initially stated Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had “nerve damage” and there was not enough “regeneration.”

For the few hours this existed online, it had folks wondering if they’d been lied to by the Vikings.

On Aug. 30, the day Bridgewater blew out his knee, trainer Eric Sugarman released a statement that said, “…there appears to be no nerve or arterial damage.” Two days later, general manager Rick Spielman was even more assertive, saying, “There’s no damage to the nerve or arteries.”

This knowledge, along with some encouraging social media posts featuring Bridgewater, added up to an optimistic future for the young quarterback, who is entering his fourth NFL season. The King report, however, threw fans for a loop … that is, until he changed it.

Here is the initial report, followed by the edited version.

FIRST REPORT: “…did significant nerve damage, and there hasn’t been enough regeneration…”

EDITED REPORT: “…did significant damage, and there reportedly hasn’t been enough recuperation…”

Some have theorized that King mistook Bridgewater’s circumstance for that of Sharrif Floyd, who experienced nerve damage in his quadriceps, per USA Today.

King also referenced the ESPN report that the Vikings were not planning on picking up Bridgewater’s fifth-year option. It’s entirely possible, though, that Minnesota still envisions a future with Bridgewater but does not want to be on the hook for an injury-guaranteed fifth year worth over $11 million if Bridgewater’s rehab stalls at some point.

The Vikings have until Tuesday to decide officially on Bridgewater’s option.

As far as King’s switcheroo on the nerve damage line, it feels like a reporting mishap from a guy whose mind is probably swimming after the draft, is trying his hardest to keep track of all 32 teams’ activities and let a detail slip through the cracks. Keep in mind, King didn’t say he had a source on the Bridgewater — he said “reportedly.” That likely means he was referencing a report from another outlet, which lends credence to the theory that he confused Bridgewater for Floyd.

If King had been confident in his reporting, why change the line?

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