Teddy Bridgewater Gets Standing Ovation in 1st NFL Snap Since Leg Injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater appeared in an NFL game for the first time since suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL in August 2016.

Bridgewater entered Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter with the Vikings up 34-0. NFL shared a replay of Bridgewater's return to the field:

ESPN.com's Bill Barnwell summed up the reaction for many NFL fans:

Bengals safety Shawn Williams spoiled the moment somewhat when he intercepted Bridgewater's first pass of the game.

The Vikings officially activated Bridgewater during their bye in Week 9. Case Keenum has precluded the fourth-year passer from seeing any meaningful playing time, though. With Keenum under center, Minnesota clinched the NFC North and are tied for the NFL's most wins (11) after beating the Bengals 34-7.

Of course, the better Keenum plays, the tougher the decision the Vikings will have about who will be their starting quarterback in 2018. The team declined Bridgewater's option for next year, which will make him a free agent. Keenum is headed for free agency as well, having signed a one-year deal with Minnesota.

ESPN.com's Mike Sando spoke to an NFL source who speculated the Vikings will re-sign Keenum and use the last few weeks of the 2017 regular season to see what Bridgewater can do.

Minnesota will be looking to secure a first-round bye and potentially take the NFC's top seed in the remaining two weeks, so the Vikings have plenty to play for. Still, claiming the division title gives the Vikings a little bit of a cushion to potentially allow Bridgewater more playing time prior to the postseason.